A Rancher's Desire

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Copyright © 2012 by Nikki Winter All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including but not limited to: printing, photocopying, faxing, recording, electronic transmission, or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from the authors or holders of the copyright. This book is a work of fiction. References may be made to locations and historical events; however, names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination and/or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), businesses, events or locales is either used fictitiously or coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Published by Beautiful Trouble Publishing, LLC PO Box 61 Colfax, NC 27235 www.beautifultroublepublishing.com Cover Art: Marteeka Karland, http://www.marteekakarland.com/ Editor: Legacy Editing Proofreader: Novellette Whyte http://authorgurunovellette.blogspot.com/ Formatter: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/ E-book Conversion: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/ ISBN: (e-book) 978-1-61788-253-1; (print) 978-1-61788-254-8

Let me start off by saying that Jayha made me do it and well…Jayha made me do it. Why? Because El Tyrant De Iron Fist wanted dibs on a whole group of Irishmen that were already promised to others and I didn’t want a riot to commence so… I did it. The best part? I’m glad I did it because this time I pushed myself further than I thought I could go. And I’m so proud of myself for that. Let’s just hope I made you guys proud too—Nikki

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CAVEAT This work contains adult language and sexually explicit scenes. This book is intended only for adults, as it is defined by the laws of the country in which the purchase is made. Keep this book out of the hands of under-aged readers.

Chapter One “Lalani I don’t—” “If the words ‘want to go out’ leave your mouth next, I’m gonna get really cranky. You remember what happens when you make me cranky?” Aiyanna King poked out her bottom lip and purposely dragged her feet. Her best friend and business partner—Lalani Noble—was tugging her towards a sports bar in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia that she didn’t want to go to. “You swore you wouldn’t do that again after the last time!” “Dude, you stopped itching after a week so suck it up and stop whining about it. You need a break from those damn sketch books and so help me God if I have to strap you down...again and roll you around I will do it.” Aiyanna dug her feet in harder. “The first time was because your psychotic ass threatened to call my mother.” Lalani stopped and turned to her with a raised brow. “If you would just obey my will then we wouldn’t have these problems. When you don’t, you force me to take extreme measures.” “See?” Aiyanna waved a hand. “Psychotic.” 7

A Rancher’s Desire “You call it crazy and I call it caring. Be glad that this is all I’m doing. I could be throwing dick your way seeing as how you need to clean the cobwebs outta your nether regions and use them again. Now come on because I’m starting to get cranky.” Lalani continued tugging her along. “I’m a grown ass woman. I’m not scared of you...” Aiyanna thought she mumbled that low enough until Lalani stopped again. “What was that?” “Uh...I love you and...um you’re the best friend I’ve ever had in forever?” “So full of shit, you are.” Aiyanna groaned as they finally reached the doors. “You’re not gonna do the Yoda voice all night are you? I hate when you do the Yoda voice.” One of Lalani’s brows arched. “Annoy me all night, will you?” Blowing out a breath, Aiyanna smiled her widest and answered, “You can either stop now or I can show my whole ass in here.” Lalani rolled her eyes and opened the door. “You show it and I put my foot in it.” She popped Aiyanna on said ass. “Get.” Some days she really hated her friend.

8

Nikki Winter  “Julian, little brother, you need to get laid.” Julian Almanza stared across the table at his older brother. Well it was more like the laser eyes of death that he was giving him but that was beside the point. “Say it louder, Havan. I don’t think the people in the back heard you the first time.” Havan shrugged his shoulders, “As you wish.” Then the bastard stood, cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “My brother needs to get laid!” When catcalls and whistles came from other parts of the bar, Julian tried getting up from the booth but Havan blocked him in and continued his little informative announcement. “It has been six months! Count’em! Yes, I said six months!” Fed up, Julian pulled his fist back and did something to his sibling that he hadn’t done since they were little; he punched him in the balls. When the big bastard crumbled, he smacked him in the back of the head for good measure. “You’re an asshole.” Snatching up his jacket, he weaved his way through the bar and did his best to ignore the pinches on his ass. Unlike him, his brother would be getting laid tonight so he didn’t need to give him a ride home. He’d find it with some walking advertisement for sex that he met inside the bar. 9

A Rancher’s Desire As depressing as the thought was, Havan was right. Julian did need to get laid. The problem was, he wasn’t interested in risking his groin or wallet with some random chick. Havan said he was acting more like a little girl than a man but then again, his brother was a prick so how much could he really know? Julian wouldn’t exactly call himself lonely. He had friends and family but it still felt like something was missing. At thirty-four he had ten years in the rodeo circuit under his belt and now as a retired bull rider, he appreciated every accomplishment he’d made. Leaving Argentina to compete in the US had been one of the best decisions he’d ever made. But as of late, he wondered if he’d put too much time into his career and not enough into planning for a family; especially since he’d recently bought a cattle ranch. Julian couldn’t say what it was that made him do it. It could’ve been the need for some form of stability or the need for solace. The problem was, his home was as empty as his heart. Julian wasn’t sure if it was his very own biological clock ticking or the desire for a warm body next to him at night, either way he’d been contemplating on it more and more. He’d stop carrying the passion for traveling from place to place, beating out some of the best known bull riders. It was why he’d retired a few years ago. Julian 10

Nikki Winter was no longer looking for the confidence boost the competitions had given him as a rookie. Havan enjoyed the fast-paced life competing gave him but that was to be expected when considering where they came from. His brother wasn’t planning on retiring or slowing down anytime soon. Havan enjoyed the frontier circuit entirely too much. The only reason he was stuck spending time with his sibling was the fact that Havan would be heading up to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania soon. They wouldn’t have the time to spend together being that he’d be in training until then. So much for him being family orientated. To give himself something to do he’d decided to have the house on his land remodeled. Maybe he could start looking for an architectural contractor if he could focus long enough. Already having left his brother to fend for himself, he dug around in his jacket pocket for his keys and was so preoccupied that he didn’t notice the woman walking towards him until she bumped into his chest. His keys hit the floor at the same time as her bag, the contents inside spilling out. “Sorry.” They both murmured simultaneously. Julian bent to help her collect what had fallen 11

A Rancher’s Desire and handed it to her. “Thank you.” Normally he would’ve nodded and went about his way but the sound of her husky voice felt like silk running over his skin. His head snapped up and what he saw held him hostage as they both began to slowly stand to their normal heights again. During his ten year stint in the rodeo circuit, Julian had been tossed ass over head and back again more times than he could count. He’d had fractured ribs, sprains and a concussion or two but he’d never had the wind knocked out of him quicker than when he looked up and saw her. For those few seconds that he let his eyes rake her perfect features before traveling down the bountiful curves of her tall form, he didn’t feel like the self assured grown man that he was. No, he felt like a boy staring into the eyes of his first crush. And those large, doe shaped, brown orbs veiled behind heavy lids and thick, curly lashes weren’t the only things he was interested in staring at. Jesús, she was beautiful. Native American features battled for dominance in her face by way of high cheekbones along with the curve of her jaw that held a dimple. While the African American side won her full lips, proud forehead, and nose. 12

Nikki Winter Both cultures met in the middle to create the flawlessly deep chocolate skin with red and bronze undertones that made up a gorgeous shade of brown. Her thick, black hair was cut into layers around her heart shaped face, slightly longish bangs stopping just a bit above her eyebrows but framing the beauty there just right. Yet her body... that is what held his attention captive. Julian bit the inside of his cheek as his heart began to hammer and he gazed at the way her endless, shapely legs and wonderfully rounded hips fit into the skin tight jeans she was wearing. She had to be five foot eleven at the least in her bare feet but her steel-toe work boots gave her an extra inch or two. Her waist to hip ratio created a coke bottle shape that made him think of at least fifty dirty things he could do to her if she let him. Julian was even a little disappointed that she was wearing a hooded sweatshirt seeing as how he desperately wanted to know what was underneath it. Julian’s eyes found hers again and locked there. “Le damos la bienvenida hermosa.” One perfectly arched brow rose. “English please.” Lips quirking, he repeated himself as she requested, “You’re welcome, beautiful.” 13

A Rancher’s Desire  Fuck your reservations, take the panties off and throw them at him! Now! It was a damn shame when a woman had to stand in a room full of people along with one of the most awe inspiring men she’d ever seen in her life and have an argument with her nether regions. The man was...damn...just damn. If there were ever a time Aiyanna wanted to forget all the shit she’d put up with in past relationships it was definitely when those stormy, blue-gray eyes locked on her. The tone of his voice alone made her feel like she was holding the Nile River between her thighs. Lightly accented with Southern and deep Spanish inflections, his voice rumbled up from one of the widest chests Aiyanna had ever seen in her life. Being that she was five-eleven and a size eighteen, that was saying a lot. He was so big he was taking up the doorway space, his shoulders blocking the view beyond where they were standing. And for the first time in a long time, she actually had to crane her neck to look up at a man. He had to be six foot eight at the least and the visual feast didn’t end there. No, there was the shoulder length, wavy, 14

Nikki Winter black hair, the full lips, strong jawline, and those piercing eyes that were staring so hard she thought her clothes would melt off in a puddle. Not to mention the adorable slashes in his cheeks from when he’d briefly smiled. Aiyanna hoped, for his sake, that he would either choose to keep that smile to himself or that she gained some self control in the next few minutes. If not, the whole bar was about to get an education on how to ride a man until he broke. Shit, if he kept looking at her like that, it might just happen regardless. Lalani wasn’t there to keep her from doing it because she’d headed back out to take a call. When he licked his lips real slow while staring at her mouth like he could taste the strawberry lip gloss she’d put on just a few minutes before, Aiyanna took a step back. “Okay, the undressing me with your eyes thing has to stop.” His expression read confused. “Why?” “Because it’s rude and—” He stepped closer, eating up the space she’d put between them. “And you don’t exactly like the way I’m making you feel right now?” The whispered words raked her body and her nerves. “No Captain Ego,” Aiyanna snapped. “It has 15

A Rancher’s Desire more to do with the fact that I don’t know if you’re appraising my head to mount it with the rest of your possible collection.” The frown was back, this time darker than before. “I don’t collect heads and I wouldn’t ruin one as gorgeous as yours.” Aiyanna withdrew again. He’d said the words that she needed to break the spell. It reminded her of something she’d heard constantly from the time she’d hit puberty. “You have such a pretty face. Now if you just shed a few pounds...” “Now you’re frowning. I said something wrong.” Her eyes snapped up to his, noticing the way the dim lighting hit his bronzed skin. She ignored the scent of sandalwood that rolled off of him. Aiyanna smirked. “It doesn’t really matter now does it? Sorry I bumped into you. Have a nice night.” She started to go around him but his hand reached out and gently gripped her arm as he turned her back around to face him. Her eyes stared up into his once again. “Wanna let go of my arm?” He shook his dark head. “Not particularly. I’ll buy you a drink.” He smiled again like he’d accomplished something with his little announcement. Biting the inside of her cheek, Aiyanna peeled his fingers away from her arm. “No.” 16

Nikki Winter “But I want to.” “Okay,” Aiyanna pointed to her face. “I want you to read my lips very well when I say this. I don’t want you to.” His eyes glazed over as he stared at her mouth. “I’m sorry hermosa, I was too busy envisioning all the productive things you could do with those lips to notice your blatant refusal to let me be a gentleman and buy you a drink,” he murmured, then focused long enough to stare into her eyes again. “Okay, now explain to me why you won’t let me do this simple task?” “Because I’m not interested in anything you have to offer. So,” she waved her hands. “Shoo.” That was the truth. Aiyanna was in no way interested in being his bed warmer for the night. She’d had enough of that. He’d probably fuck her long and good. Fuck her until she was sore and hoarse then send her on her way with a pat on the head and a slap on the ass after an explanation of why a long term relationship just wasn’t in the cards for him right now. And once Aiyanna did the walk of shame, he’d call one of the size two barbies that he had on speed dial. Nope. Not even. She was tired of that. Being that she couldn’t fit into a dress with a single digit, Aiyanna wasn’t the standard of beauty. Her intelligence, her 17

A Rancher’s Desire heart, her humor didn’t matter to men like this one; men who had to do no more than wave his hand at a woman and have her fall into his lap. It was all about the chase. Why should he take a clear rejection from the woman who had to be desperate for some form of affection, right? Wrong! She wasn’t playing this game anymore, trying to conform to what others thought she should be just so they could face themselves in the morning after fucking someone who wasn’t rail thin and had a mind of her own; while she could barely wipe the fog off the mirror and look at herself after giving in. Aiyanna had had her self-esteem and confidence diminished enough times to know what would come out of this. Big man wasn’t interested in her, he was interested in adding another notch on his bedpost. If he thought that was happening tonight he could kiss her whole ass and not in the way he wanted. “Hermosa,” he started in a silky purr but she held her hand up to stop him. “Look, I said no. I’m not interested so take your request and tuck it into one of those inhumanly sized pockets of yours. Now move outta my way or get knocked on your ass. Which one will it be?” A battle of wills commenced as they stared at one another again. Aiyanna kept her resolve hardened. This man would 18

Nikki Winter not get her panties. No, no, no. Finally, he stepped to the side and waved a hand for her to pass. With a breath of relief, Aiyanna did just that and suddenly felt like lead had just dropped into her stomach the further away she got.  Julian watched her walk away, entranced by the sway of her thick hips along with the way she held her head high moving with the grace of a queen. It made him so hard. With a sigh of regret, he decided not to follow after her although everything in his body was telling him to do just that. There had been something in her gaze, a vulnerability that had pushed him away and pulled him forward all at the same time. Her fire and that tongue both made him want to throw her over his shoulder and take her back home with him to hole up for weeks on end. Jesús. What was wrong with him? Julian had never had a reaction like that to any woman. He ran a hand down his face, thinking that he needed to leave now before he gave in to his primal urges and embarrassed them both. Okay, honestly, he didn’t give two duck shits 19

A Rancher’s Desire about embarrassing himself but he knew she wouldn’t take it too well if he did what was on his mind at the moment. He took a step forward heading for the door when he felt something under the toe of his boot. Looking down he saw a business card. King and Noble Contracting. Aiyanna King. His mind flashed to when hermosa had dropped her bag and he smiled. Now he had a name to match the physical perfection along with a number and a work location. To top it all off, she was an architect and he was looking for an architect. Julian’s grin widened as he pocketed the card and pushed out of the doors into the parking lot. It looked like Aiyanna was going to be getting new clientele come Monday.

20

Chapter Two Aiyanna felt something tickling her cheek and slapped at it. The feeling disappeared for a moment but came back again. This time she swatted harder and of course hit herself in the face. That wasn’t what woke her up. Lalani’s laughter however... Aiyanna sat up, glaring as she placed a hand over her now throbbing eye. “An eye for an eye Lalani...an eye for an eye...” she grumbled. Lalani simply smiled, her sparkling white teeth a contrast to her deep sienna skin. “You left yourself vulnerable, King.” “So if I slip a mickey into one of your drinks, drive you out into the middle of nowhere while you’re asleep, and leave your carcass to be feasted on, does that mean I can use the same excuse?” Her brows rose as she sat back and tapped her chin. “That sounds about right.” Balling up a piece of paper, Aiyanna chucked it at her as she lay her head back on her desk and groaned, “Go away.” She went around to Aiyanna and sat on the edge of the desk where she rested her head. “No can do, grumpy. We have a thing called a client, waiting to be serviced.” 21

A Rancher’s Desire Aiyanna peeked out of her good eye. “Take my couch cushions and enjoy yourself. They should be soft enough for your knees.” Lalani plucked her in the forehead. “Stop being an asshole and c’mon.” She pouted, turned her head like a little kid and settled back down. “I don’t wanna.” “Dude, this is not a good way to run a business. Mr. Almanza is waiting.” She was right of course. But after pulling an all nighter working on a new design, the last thing she really wanted to do was deal with a new and possibly finicky client. She’d escaped at least an hour before from a consultation to try her hand at a nap. Aiyanna had been pretty successful until the nap ruiner came along. “You have help. Why do I need to be out there too?” “Um maybe because you own half of this place?” She shook her head slightly. “Nah, not good enough.” Lifting an arm, Aiyanna waved towards the door. “Begone with you. Leave me to my sleep now, peon.” Of course she didn’t think that would work so she wasn’t surprised when Lalani snorted, stuck her hand to Aiyanna’s side and tickled her, causing her to almost fall out of her seat. 22

Nikki Winter “Cut it out!” Aiyanna was gasping and wiggling but Lalani just kept pressing. “Are you gonna get up and come be a good little architect?” “You’re not making me go out there!” Lalani pressed harder and Aiyanna doubled over. “That’s not what I wanna hear, Aiyanna.” “This can be deemed,” she tried to catch her breath. “As sexual harassment in the workplace!” “I dare you to scream that out and see how quickly John and Das run in here to watch rather than help.” “I hate you!” “Try again, Aiyanna.” “Fine! Fine, I’m up!” Lalani stopped and Aiyanna scrambled away from her. “You’re psycho.” “For tickling you?” Her mouth twitched. “No, that’s just one reason and when the sleep fog clears, I’ll be more than glad to name more.” Sticking out her tongue Aiyanna made the childish noise of blowing a raspberry at her and headed for her office door. “Real mature, King.” “You just got done playing tickle monster with me to bend me to your evil will.” As Aiyanna pointed that out she swung open the door to find John—their 23

A Rancher’s Desire architectural consultant—on the other side grinning. He waggled his brows. “I don’t know what that was about, but it sounded hot and I’m upset that I missed it.” Dastan—their architectural manager—walked past carrying blueprints. “Missed what?” “Female debauchery going on between our bosses. I believe Aiyanna mentioned tickling,” John answered. Dastan blew out a breath. “We always miss the good stuff.” John faced Aiyanna again, folded his arms across a giant expanse of chest. “Das and I demand that this tickling commence or we quit.” “Yeah!” The other idiot co-signed as he came back past with more design layouts. “You’re fired,” Aiyanna said. Instead of being deterred, John rolled his eyes. “Okay, no tickling. How about a hug, a really friendly hug? Now it’s your choice. You can share said hug with your business partner or me.” He put his hands up in front of himself. “No pressure. I’ll enjoy either one.” Aiyanna looked over her shoulder at Lalani. “Why did we hire him again?” “Because, I’m adorable.” Aiyanna raised a brow as she looked him over. “So are puppies but even those get left shivering in the 24

Nikki Winter cold sometimes.” He pressed a hand to his chest and affected a wounded look. “Aiyanna, baby, sweetheart, love of my life, why are you so cruel to me?” “Because you’re an arrogant jackass with a serious case of narcissism and you don’t like chocolate,” she answered. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her in close. “I don’t like chocolate products. I never said anything about your personal brand.” She stared him straight in the eyes. “I never said anything about murder but that doesn’t mean you can’t change my mind.” “Burn!” Dastan announced as he walked back again, this time to take a call outside of Lalani’s office. John’s blue eyes just twinkled as he kissed her forehead. “I love you anyway my lovely Cheyenne blossom—even though you’re mean to me.” Aiyanna’s lips twitched. “Somebody with a vagina has to be mean to you. That’s the only way your pants stay on if she’s not related in some way.” Gasping, he widened his eyes. “Are you calling me a...a whore?” She nodded once as she made her way past him and back into the hallway outside of her office. “Yup, quite blatantly too. Right in your face.” She could hear 25

A Rancher’s Desire Lalani chuckling and telling John something about a scarlet letter. Aiyanna teased him a lot about being whorish but in all honesty, John was a good guy. He was loose but he was a good guy. One rock solid arm came out of nowhere and dropped on her shoulders. If Dastan hadn’t caught her with the other one, she would’ve hit the floor. “Dude, I keep telling you that I’m made of glass, not cement. You can’t just go dumping your extreme weight on me.” He snorted, squeezed her. “You’d be stronger if you actually got some sleep.” Rolling her eyes, she retorted, “I was sleeping and then Lalani ruined it.” “With tickling,” he teased. “So I heard. Do I get next?” Aiyanna shoved away from him. “You and John need a class on work etiquette.” His eyes widened like a little boy’s. “Will you be wearing a school girl’s outfit complete with the midriff top and short skirt? Oh, and the ruler? I’d be the best student ever.” Instead of laughing, she bit the inside of her cheek to hold it in and shot him her best ‘boss glare.’ “Get back to work, Das.” Grinning, he saluted Aiyanna. “Aye aye Captain 26

Nikki Winter King.” Then he was carrying his large frame back towards his office. John and Dastan weren’t the only employees that Lalani and Aiyanna had, but they were the only ones in their staff that they had genuine friendships with. Both Lalani and Aiyanna had graduated from Virginia Tech with business masters. In addition to that, they’d both managed to get a Master’s of Science in building construction being that as kids they’d always had a love for constructing and designing. One of their first projects in college was to take the detached garage outside of Aiyanna’s parents’ home and convert it into an apartment that they could share. She was behind the designs they built while Lalani took care of the business end. It worked rather nicely but lately, Aiyanna’s exhaustion had been taking a toll on her. Staying up all hours of the night to work on new ideas when she wasn’t dealing with clients was getting tiring. Lalani kept telling her that she needed a vacation but right now she couldn’t afford to take one. From the day they’d opened the doors to King and Noble, business had not stopped and Aiyanna really didn’t have the time to think about getting half naked on a beach during some tropical getaway. Work was always calling. The most she could do was eat and 27

A Rancher’s Desire sleep in between. Other than that, she had to roll with the punches. “Alright,” Lalani started leading the way to the small conference room where they sat down with all prospective clients, “Julian Almanza. Thirty-four. Single. Owns a ranch and used to be big in the rodeo circuit.” One of Aiyanna’s brows cocked. “Cowboy?” Lalani shrugged. “I guess you could call him that. When I talked to him, he referred to himself as a rancher. Nice sounding voice too.” Aiyanna plucked her friend on the forehead. “Focus. Okay so what does Mr. Rancher want?” “Remodeling of his ranch house. Apparently he did some research and found that a certain someone comes highly recommended for home design so...” “So he came to us,” Aiyanna completed. “Bingo.” “Sounds easy enough.” Lalani stopped outside the doors of the conference room. “Yeah, well this is where it gets a little harder my friend.” “Oh Lord...” “He doesn’t want to work with anyone but you. Everything from design down to layout has to be handled specifically by you.” 28

Nikki Winter “Jeez...” “I tried to talk him into letting someone else help but he refused. I believe his exact words were, ‘No, I want her and her only.’” Lalani’s voice dipped low in the impression. Aiyanna rolled her eyes. “Why do the nuts always request me?” “Because birds of a feather—” “If you complete that, I’m shoving my foot so far up your ass that we’ll look like a three legged race at a state fair for the rest of the day.” Lalani grinned and placed a smacking kiss to her cheek. “Yet, you love me anyway.” “If Jesus could love those who pissed him off on a regular basis, what excuse do I have?” “Wow...just wow. There was a line and you just hopscotched across it.” Her friend shook her head then looked down at her watch. “I have a ten o’clock. Gotta go.” Lalani handed her a file. “Wait,” Aiyanna said as Lalani turned to head in the other direction, “You’re not gonna sit in with me and the nut?” “That sounded so wrong and no, I told you he only wants you.” Then she went on about her way. “I hate her so much sometimes,” Aiyanna grumbled then eased open the door as she flipped 29

A Rancher’s Desire through the information in her hand. “Sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Almanza. Busy morning.” The voice that answered had her dropping the file and yanking her head up so fast that it felt like she got whiplash for a moment. “It’s no problem to wait for you hermosa.” Standing there, by the consultation desk with his hands buried in the front pockets of his jeans, was the gorgeous stranger from Friday night.  The look on her beautiful face was more than enough to make Julian smile. Then his smile faded as she stepped further into the room and he got a good look at what she was wearing. Aiyanna had poured her body into a black wrap dress that ended a few inches above the knees showcasing her incredible legs. Even being her height, she was still bold enough to wear four inch stilettos that made her just tall enough to not have to tilt her head to look up at him. Her hair was twisted back in a simple knot at the nape of her neck, diamond studs twinkled in each of her cute little ears. Her make-up was minimal; eyeliner and lip gloss. She didn’t need anything else to enhance what was God-given. What made Julian 30

Nikki Winter frown were the dark circles under her wide brown eyes. The fact that she hadn’t gotten enough sleep was clear in the slump of her shoulders and the slow way she moved. She opened her mouth twice and he waited for her to say something, anything. Instead, she simply snapped it shut again, raked her gaze over him, shook her head and then she turned around and walked out. Julian blew out a breath and followed, determined that she wouldn’t get away from him so easily this time. “Aiyanna,” he called to her back, watching the dip and roll of her hips. “Go. Away.” she called back. Ignoring the stares from around the large office space, he continued to follow her. “Hermosa—” She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder and her eyes flashed nothing but pure fire. “And stop calling me that.” Julian held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I’m sorry. Just do me the favor of talking to me for five minutes? Please?” He’d never had to plead with a woman for her time but then again. Aiyanna King obviously wasn’t just any woman. She wasn’t swayed by his smile or his words. Her resolve didn’t falter for a moment in the two times she’d been in his presence. 31

A Rancher’s Desire He was determined to make that change. There was something about her that called to him. Julian could tell that she wanted to at least give him a few minutes of her time but she wouldn’t. Why was that? He didn’t know but he intended to find out. Aiyanna took a breath and blew it out slowly before turning her back to him once again and motioning for him to follow her. He did so eagerly. When they reached a door with her name embossed on the front, he knew it was her office. She opened it and cocked her head to one of the chairs in front of her desk. Julian shook his head. “No, I’ll talk to you on your terms but what I’ll not do is forget that I’m a man.” He grabbed the doorknob and pried her small fingers from around it motioning for her to walk inside and take a seat before he did. Julian could tell she wanted to say something but at his raised brow, she kept whatever comment she had to herself. It was a wise idea on her part. Spanking her during their second encounter in her office while her employees milled about wasn’t in his plans today. She took the seat behind her desk and rubbed her temples as her eyes shut tightly. “What’re you doing here? And how did you even find me?” Julian took one of the chairs in front of her and reached into his pocket to pull out the card he’d found 32

Nikki Winter by the grace of God on Friday night. He sat it on her desk and pushed it forward. “Jesus...” Aiyanna muttered picking it up. Her eyes met his. “You went through all of this for what? Because I turned you down?” Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back in the chair. “It wasn’t my ego that lead me here.” “Than it must’ve been your dic—” Julian leaned up and lowly stated, “If you complete that sentence you run the risk of seeing a lot more of me than you’re prepared to see today, Hermosa.” Her mouth closed and he smirked then tapped the desk with one finger. “Despite your beliefs, I’m not just here because I’m interested in you. My house needs an overhaul.” Her look darkened. “And as my partner informed me, I just so happen to be the only person in my firm that you wanna work with.” Julian waved a hand towards the wall behind her that was filled with framed, professionally taken photos of the many homes she’d designed over the years. “Do you really need to question why?” Aiyanna sighed and leaned back in her chair, her short nails tapping the arm. “Why are you doing this? You could’ve found any other contractor anywhere 33

A Rancher’s Desire else.” Julian read between the lines. She meant he could’ve found any other woman anywhere else. He made sure to stare her directly in the eyes when he retorted, “I don’t want any other contractor, I want you.” For the briefest second her face softened and he smiled. Just like that, her gaze shuttered again. She closed her eyes for the second time. He hated when she did that. It meant she was shutting him out, denying him access to read what she was feeling. Aiyanna shook her head. “I can’t do this with you,” she whispered. “Why not?” he asked just as softly. Her smile was sad but she still wouldn’t look at him. “Because tomorrow I’ll hate myself.” “Aiyanna,” she looked up at him then. “I don’t know what you’re so afraid of but if you give me the chance—” She held up a hand to cut him off. “No, I’ve heard that one before and I’ll be damned if I go for it again.” Suddenly standing, she walked to her office door and opened it. “This was fun Mr. Almanza, but I think it’s time for you to go.” Julian’s mind scrambled. “If you do my house I’ll pay you double your usual fee.” 34

Nikki Winter She stared at him for a long moment. “You want to fuck me that bad?” A mix of anger and frustration boiled over inside him spilling out in rapidly fired Spanish. Yes, he wanted to fuck her, make love to her, but this was so much more than that. If that was all he wanted he could’ve had her bent over her desk by now. “Deje de relegar su apelación a sólo sexo!” Both brows rose. “English please.” “Stop relegating your appeal to just sex!” Julian repeated. Something told him that was the wrong thing to say when her jaw clenched and she slammed the door shut again. “I turn you down for what most definitely would’ve been a night full of jackhammering on whatever bed that you had specially made just to hold you. Then you show up in my place of business demanding that I be the only one to work with you yet you know not a damn thing about me! What the fuck am I supposed to think?! That it was love at first sight?” He didn’t answer fast enough. She sucked in a deep breath. “Exactly. Let’s be honest Julian. The only reason you’re here is because your cock wouldn’t let you walk away from a willing prospect, especially not one who looks like she’s in 35

A Rancher’s Desire need of some male attention.” Something she said made him freeze as a slow smile spread across his face. “Hermosa, you said ‘willing.’” Her eyes widened and she took a step back as he took one forward. He kept walking until he had her pinned to the wall, each of his hands on either side of her head. “You also seem pretty sure that you would’ve ended up in my bed that night. If you are so certain of this, why do you fight what is so natural? Stave off the inevitable, hmm?” “Because this is not natural.” She motioned between the two of them. “Who says?” Julian questioned as he leaned down, putting them nose to nose. “Since when is it not natural for two consenting adults to desire one another?” Aiyanna bit her lip. “Since this is the second time you’ve stood in front of me and I feel like...” He brought his eyes up from her mouth. “What? You feel like what?” “I feel like if I let you walk out of that door I’ll regret it, but I know that if I give in to what my body wants, I’ll regret that too.” That vulnerability was back and it twisted his gut. “I would never hurt you, Hermosa.” She needed 36

Nikki Winter to know that. As insane as it was, Julian needed her to understand that this went beyond his need to lay claim to her body. In just these brief and seemingly minuscule encounters, she’d touched a part of him that had never been reached before. “I don’t know that.” Her gaze focused over his shoulder. Cocking his head, he made her lock eyes with him again. “Then let me prove it. What do you have to lose?”  Her heart. Aiyanna could lose her heart. She’d never had this acute of a reaction to any man and that scared her shitless. Julian Almanza was a danger to her mind, body and spirit and if she went any further down this rabbit hole, she would fall faster than Alice did but it might not have a happy ending. Insanity, it was pure insanity and yet the side of her that could never wait to try something new was begging her to do it. It was begging her to give this man a chance. “Let me prove that getting you into my bed isn’t all I want,” Julian whispered. “I want to know what makes you laugh, what pisses you off besides me. I 37

A Rancher’s Desire want to know what foods you hate and the ones you love. I want to understand what makes you think so hard about the simplest of things. You are right Hermosa. I don’t know you but if you give me the chance, I would sooner walk away than cause you any more pain than you’ve already experienced.” Jesus...the sincerity in those stormy, blue gray eyes took her breath away. Just standing there, having him look down at her was more than enough to make Aiyanna want to do whatever he asked. Yes, Julian Almanza was a very dangerous man but she wanted a little taste of that danger—even if it meant risking her heart in the process. She told him her fee and he didn’t blink but he did smile again. “Done,” he replied enthusiastically. “Double it, but take half and give it as a scholarship fund for UVA,” Aiyanna added. Julian nodded his dark head. “Whatever you want.” Taking a deep breath, she said, “Set an appointment with my assistant for Wednesday. I’ll come check out the house and we’ll go from there.” If anything, his smile widened. “You won’t regret this, Hermosa.” Taking her by surprise, he leaned down and pressed the sweetest of kisses to her cheek. Then, he stepped back and waited until she 38

Nikki Winter moved aside so he could open the door and stroll out. Aiyanna touched her cheek. “I hope I don’t.”

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Chapter Three “Mama, I don’t need to be set up,” Aiyanna sighed trying desperately not to go out back and find her Daddy’s shovel so she could dig a hole and push the woman who gave birth to her in it. Her twin brother Elan snorted in the seat beside her and she kicked him under the table. Giant bastard didn’t even flinch, just grunted. Aiyanna wasn’t surprised being that he was double her size and almost a foot taller but she would’ve appreciated it more had he been in pain. Evelyn King waved a hand, “Yes you do.” “Evie...” Aiyanna’s daddy started. “She does Hassun and you know it. At the rate she’s moving I won’t have any grandchildren until I’m in diapers my damn self.” “I was hoping you’d be at the pearly gates way before then,” Aiyanna murmured but Elan still heard it and choked on a laugh. She narrowed her eyes on him and he swallowed down a smile. Her daddy shot her a sympathetic look, his black irises holding more warmth and acceptance than she’d ever seen in her mother’s gaze. It was sad, but Aiyanna had always wondered exactly what he saw in her 40

Nikki Winter mother. Evelyn was beautiful, yes, but her insides were twisted; her logic superficial. Hassun, on the other hand, had the gentlest heart Aiyanna had ever known—even with him being as wide as a door. Evelyn had a fun time blaming Aiyanna’s height and weight on his side of the family being that in the forty or so years that they’d been married, her size four status hadn’t shifted in the least. Evelyn thought Aiyanna needed a good diet plan. Meanwhile, Aiyanna thought her mother needed a good therapist and to stop sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. “If she’d just take the card for that personal trainer I have—” “Evie, enough.” Evelyn clamped her mouth shut and Aiyanna bit the inside of her cheek so she wouldn’t smirk. When Hassun King spoke, people listened or they found themselves on a side of her father that they didn’t appreciate. “She’s perfect just the way she is,” her Daddy continued, his jaw clenching. “She has a weight problem, Hassun.” “She,” Aiyanna jumped in, “is sitting right here. And I like the way I look. You have a problem with my weight.” 41

A Rancher’s Desire Elan placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed before letting go. Aside from Lalani, her brother understood exactly how much shit she’d had to put up with her whole life when it came to Evelyn. Out of the two of them, he was physical perfection in their mother’s eyes, taking after both their parents in the best of ways. His features strongly read Cheyenne coming from their father while his slim build and darker skin came from their mother. Elan had been the one to receive most of Evelyn’s affection because he fit the mold of the perfect son. Aiyanna, on the other hand, was far from what Evelyn had envisioned for a daughter but damned if she hadn’t tried to sculpt her into it; ballet, gymnastics, instruments and any pageant she could get Aiyanna in she’d tried. And Aiyanna ruined every opportunity, purposely, until she finally gave up hope and moved on to trying to run Elan’s life. There was love and then there was the obsessive need to control someone else’s life. Evelyn was leaning towards the second and Aiyanna was tempted to push her over the edge. “Do you want to find a husband? Or are you just going to end up barren and lonely?” Aiyanna looked over at Elan who was pleading with his eyes for her not to say what she was about to 42

Nikki Winter say. Twin powers were funny that way. “Mama, there’s something I think you should know,” Aiyanna said softly, leaning forward in her mother’s direction. “A.J. ...” Elan groaned. “Well? What is it?” Evelyn asked. “Lalani...well...she and I are more than just business partners and friends.” She kept her face straight and her gaze focused. Evelyn’s eyes widened in her face. “Aiyanna Jordyn you better not be saying what I think you’re saying.” When her Daddy and Elan started laughing, Aiyanna grinned. “Oh c’mon Mama, you can’t tell me that for the briefest of moments,” she held her fingers a millimeter apart, “that you weren’t happy I actually had somebody—even if she has a cookie jar just like me.” Evelyn ran a hand down her face. “You’re determined to drive me into an early grave.” Aiyanna opened her mouth and Elan slapped his hand over it. “Don’t. You. Dare.” She deflated and sat back in her seat, rolling her eyes. “Despite what you may believe Aiyanna, I actually do care if you’re happy.” Evelyn almost looked 43

A Rancher’s Desire sincere, especially with the added touch of the pearl clutching. Aiyanna looked at Elan and he shook his head no. She sighed, “I know you do.” Smiling, Evelyn stood. “I’m happy to hear that.” She froze as the doorbell rang and looked at her mother. “Mama, you didn’t...” “I promise you’ll love him.” Then she shuffled off to answer the door. Aiyanna looked at her Daddy, horrified. “You set me up!” Hassun raised his hands. “You get to leave and go home. I have to stay. Do the math, baby girl.” Damn, he did have a point. Evelyn reappeared a few minutes later, tugging along the potential victim...er prospect. Once again, Aiyanna slowly turned her head and looked at Elan, one brow arched. He arched one back and shrugged. Aiyanna tugged her left ear and he cocked his head to the right. The plan was set. Poor dude didn’t even know what he had coming.  “Wait, wait, wait. You’re doing all of this for a woman?” 44

Nikki Winter Julian shook his head and looked over the stable door of his favorite horse at his brother. Havan had caught him in the middle of grooming. “No, I’m doing all of this because she and I both need it.” Havan frowned. “What? Sex?” Julian rolled his eyes. Of course that’s what it always came down to with his sibling. Havan didn’t exactly embrace the idea of marriage and family. Julian couldn’t blame him. When one grew up in the environment that they had, love was trivial. Havan described it as fickle and unnecessary. On that Julian disagreed. In his eyes, a person couldn’t choose who they fell for. It just happened. He didn’t pretend to know what was transpiring between him and Aiyanna, he just knew he’d never felt it before. The way she smelled, her smile, her curves, they all stood to be a temptation that was slowly weakening his resolve to show her that he wanted more than her body. But Aiyanna was worth the ache that developed every time he got near her so he would continue to push through it until it got better. “No,” he finally answered his brother. “We both need love.” Havan stared at him for a few seconds before he started laughing; long and hard. He kept going until he was bent over at the waist and barely able to 45

A Rancher’s Desire breathe. When he saw that Julian hadn’t joined in, he stopped. “Oh...you’re serious.” “Yes, I’m serious.” Sighing, Havan leaned against the stall door. “Little brother, let me clue you in on a small fact.” “I would say no, but I believe you’d drag me out of here, and sit on me then tell me regardless.” “One time. I did that one time and still you will not let it go.” “Please give me the advice that I plan to avidly ignore so I can move on with my life,” Julian replied drolly. Havan slapped a hand against his own chest. “Usted no se merece un hermano como yo.” Julian gave a cheeky smile. “On that we agree. I don’t deserve a brother like you.” “One day, Julian. One day you will need my wisdom and I will turn you away.” Brow arched, Julian asked, “Will I need a new coat for the arctic temperatures in hell also?” Havan simply snarled before turning and storming out of the stables. He chuckled, watching his brother stomp off. Havan had been irritated with him more times than he could count. This time would be no different. He’d be back before he left for Pennsylvania to prod Julian 46

Nikki Winter into coming to see him compete and he would of course go and cheer for him in the stands. Despite Havan’s tendency to be an asshole, Julian really couldn’t have asked for a better protector, teacher or brother. Their bond had always been there. From the time they were boys and watched their mother go from man to man searching for something their father hadn’t given her for the brief period that he’d been around until now. Julian had needed someone to care because their mother certainly hadn’t. Maybe that was why he’d hit this point in his life—searching for something more; something deeper. As a boy, all he really wanted was affection. To be told that he was loved or wanted, but what he got was the constant reminder that he looked just like his no good Padre and that he would probably amount to nothing. Julian looked around his horse stable and smirked. How wrong Alyss Almanza had been. Just as quickly as he felt a spark of pride, it dissipated. Alyss had yet to forgive Julian and Havan for leaving Argentina to pursue their bull riding careers in the US. The amazing thing was, she had no problem taking the monthly checks they both sent to keep her more than comfortable back home. 47

A Rancher’s Desire He shook his head. His mother had complained every day that they’d been in her presence, yet she acted heartbroken when they gave the news of their leaving. Maybe it was guilt? Julian didn’t know. He just understood that now he wanted to know what it felt like to be loved. Correction. He wanted to know what it felt like to be loved by Aiyanna. Grinning, Julian left the stables and realized tomorrow was the day that he would get to be around Hermosa again. That was enough to knock away his maudlin thoughts as he made his trek to the main house.

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Chapter Four “Okay, two things,” Aiyanna stated, walking into Lalani’s office, “my mother may honestly have the fear that over the past ten years of our friendship we’ve become lovers—” “Wait...what?” Lalani looked up from the game she’d been playing on her Android. “And—” “And? How about we go back to the part of you proclaiming that I like cookies to your mother? Do you know what will happen to me if Alana Noble hears that? It’s not that she’d be upset about my alleged cookie liking, she’d be upset that I wasn’t the one to inform her of this sudden new preference.” “And,” Aiyanna continued taking a comfortable spot on Lalani’s couch, “I do believe I’ve officially been banned from family dinners.” “She tried to set you up again didn’t she?” Aiyanna grinned. “Tried and failed.” “Did you make this one cry?” Shrugging, Aiyanna said, “Nope. His eyes watered a little but he didn’t break. It was actually pretty admirable.” Lalani shook her head. “You were disappointed when he didn’t cry weren’t you?” 49

A Rancher’s Desire “Well...” “Sick, just sick.” Her friend looked down at her watch. “Aren’t you supposed to be on your way up to Madison to see your future husband’s ranch?” Aiyanna snorted. “He’s not my future husband.” “Okay. Let’s try this. Aren’t you supposed to be on your way up to Madison to see the giant, gorgeous, panty soaking man who wants to fuck you bowlegged?” “Yup.” Aiyanna nodded making Lalani laugh. “I just came in here to warn you that if Mom Alana calls, it’s my fault and I’m sorry ahead of time.” Lalani smirked. “No you’re not.” “You’re right. I’m not. But you love me anyway.” Aiyanna stood and started for the door. “Oh, before I forget. Here.” Lalani stood and tossed her a brown paper bag. “What the hell?” Aiyanna was slow to open it, scared of what she might see. Her head jerked back up. “Lalani...” The other woman shrugged. “Be good. If you can’t be good then be safe. If you can’t be safe,” she grinned wide, “then name it after me.” The sad thing was, Aiyanna took the bag. She had no intentions of sleeping with Julian now, if ever, but with the way that man made her feel, she couldn’t 50

Nikki Winter be too sure that her resolve would hold. “Dear God, please don’t let me do anything stupid today,” Aiyanna murmured as she climbed into her truck and made her way to Madison.  “Dear God, I’m gonna do something stupid today.” Aiyanna stood wide eyed, watching Julian as he herded his horses. The herding part isn’t what had her feet frozen and her mouth slightly open. No, with it being a few weeks into summer the heat in Virginia had already started to ratchet up and that inevitably meant less clothes would be worn. Apparently, that was also the case for her rancher because there was no full shirt in sight and God help her, Aiyanna was so grateful for that. His Stetson, a tight, white tank, dark jeans, and boots were the only things that made up his wardrobe for the day. Oh, and sweat. Sweat counted as a part of it right? How could it not with the way it glistened off of each and every cut of his abdomen, arms and back making his shirt virtually see-through. Aiyanna leaned forward and watched him move with his horse in a fluid grace that had her mesmerized. Okay, honestly it wasn’t the riding, it was the sweat but that was to be 51

A Rancher’s Desire expected considering the fact he was so damn beautiful. Julian finally looked up and caught her staring from the side of the fenced in pasture. The smile that lit his face and eyes left her breathless and Aiyanna felt herself tumble deeper down the rabbit hole. She hiked her book bag higher on her shoulder as he directed his horse to trot over to where she was standing, wishing that she had chosen to wear something other than jeans, a v-neck tee, her work boots and a Falcons cap. Not wanting to tempt fate anymore than she was by coming here, she’d chosen to keep her clothes as simple as possible. But Julian was blowing through all her walls with one smile so the point had been moot. He finally stopped in front of her, his horse’s hooves kicking up dust. Julian’s grin never faded. “You’re early, Hermosa.” Gripping her bag’s strap and tilting her head back so she could look up at him, she said, “Sorry. I wanted to check everything out a little bit earlier so I can get started on some sketches.” Climbing off the horse’s back, he leaned on the only barrier between them as his blue gray irises sparkled down at her. “No apology necessary. What would you like to see first? The house or the grounds?” 52

Nikki Winter Then he took his Stetson off so he could pull that damn tank top up and over his head. He re-situated his hat then wiped the sweat from his neck and chest. Jesus. “Um,” she swallowed and tried to keep her gaze on his and not his pecs—which were incredible. “The house?” Aiyanna finally squeaked. Julian’s smile widened. “As you wish.” He called out for a ranch hand to take the horse he’d been riding back to the stables then asked her to move back from the fence a few feet. She did so and he placed one hand on the fence so he could jump it. He enveloped her smaller hand in his and linked their fingers before taking the other one and tugging on the brim on her cap. “You look adorable in this.” Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, Julian then turned and started for the house, pulling her along. It was official. She was going to do something stupid.  Julian found Aiyanna in his kitchen studying the room as closely as she’d studied the others. He’d left her for twenty minutes or so to shower. Somehow, the sweat combined with dirt from work left him feeling less than presentable in her presence. Sweat combined 53

A Rancher’s Desire with her, on the other hand, would have been more than welcome. “So, what do you think?” he asked as he pulled on a t-shirt. Aiyanna sighed and shrugged. “This place is beautiful. What more could you want done to it?” She was right—his home was beautiful but he didn’t have enough space. There was one floor, three bedrooms, and two baths along with the kitchen, dining room and living room. Julian walked over to his refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of juice. He held it up and waited for Aiyanna’s nod before he grabbed her a cup and filled it with ice. Placing both on the island in front of her, he sat opposite. “This would be perfect if I planned on remaining alone for the rest of my life. I need more space.” His fingers tapped the counter. He told her exactly what he wanted to have done. Aiyanna sat back, rolling her cup between her palms. “Wow. I take it you don’t plan to be a bachelor for very long, huh?” He chose his words very carefully because if he told her what he was feeling he knew for a fact that she would run. Instead, Julian simply shook his head. “Bachelorhood is for my brother.” Her eyebrows winged. “You have a brother?” 54

Nikki Winter “Yes. Older by two years. What about you? Any siblings?” She nodded. “A twin.” His eyes widened and she smirked. “Whatever perverted fantasies you have, kill them. He’s my fraternal twin.” Julian deflated and she laughed. “Stop pouting. Even if he were a she, I’d sooner kill you than go down that road.” He frowned harder. “I don’t pout.” Aiyanna folded her arms across her chest as her head cocked to the side. The calculating look she gave him made him squirm. “This brother of yours, is he a bull rider too?” “Yes,” Julian answered slowly. “Is he as big as you are?” He shrugged. “An inch or two taller.” “Does he look like you?” He suddenly felt like he was being set up but answered anyway. “Yes.” “Then any imaginary fantasies I have about him—” Julian scowled and sat straighter, leaning across the island towards her before he interrupted. “Will get him killed on sight and fed to my dogs.” Aiyanna simply shook her head and smirked. 55

A Rancher’s Desire “Hypocrisy.” “Havan and I are two separate entities, Hermosa. Different thoughts and different logic. Make no mistakes; I wasn’t excited at the prospect of your twin being female. It fascinated me that there could be someone close to you in terms of looks and attitude, period. You could be cloned and it still wouldn’t be as good as the original.” Satisfied that she had no response for that, he stood and held out a hand. “Now it’s time for me to show you the grounds.” She took it and he linked their fingers again, enjoying the feel of her soft skin as he walked them through the kitchen and out the back door. Aiyanna had much to learn about him, starting with the fact that he wanted no one but her and he always worked to get what he wanted.

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Chapter Five He had to stop staring at her mouth and he had to stop now. Julian was fighting everything in his being that was screaming for him to get Aiyanna to admit that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. A month—it had been a month since her first visit to the ranch and in that time period, he’d managed to coax her into having breakfast with him every other day along with lunch and when she wasn’t too tired from working, they had dinner. Construction had recently started on his house and it had taken some doing but he’d finally got her to do the designs her way. After a few fights that typically ended in him apologizing, she agreed but it was on one condition. Aiyanna wanted Julian to teach her how to ride a horse. It was one request that he was more than happy to oblige. Now, if he could just stop staring at her lips and fantasizing about what they tasted like, he’d get somewhere with his lesson but it was a hard thing to do. In all the time that they’d spent together, he never did more than hold her hand or kiss her cheek; fearing that if he pushed for more she’d reduce what they had to the physical attraction they shared. “Julian?” Aiyanna’s voice was soft and curious as 57

A Rancher’s Desire she stared down at him from her position on his horse, Shadow. The huge, black Arabian had been with him since he bought the ranch and had quickly become Julian’s favorite. Because of Shadow’s size and build, he carried Julian with ease. He was also the calmest out of the stable and gentle; making him perfect for Aiyanna’s first lesson. He snapped out of his daydream and cleared his throat. “Uh...yeah...what was I saying again?” Those wide, beautiful, brown eyes stared down at him as she smiled and his cock thumped against the zipper of his jeans. The things this woman did to him. “You were showing me how to control the reins.” “Oh...ah...yes. Okay, put your hands here and here.” He showed her how to hold the reins. “Now, the most important part you want to remember is to always move with the horse and not against it. Otherwise, you will wake up tomorrow way sorer than you should be. Understand?” She nodded once. “Good.” He moved to the side of her and a few steps back. Reaching up, he placed a hand at the small of her back, clicked his tongue twice and Shadow started off in a slow walk. “For every one of his movements, your hips should match it; roll along with it.” He kept his hand on her lower body and felt it 58

Nikki Winter follow fluidly with the horse’s movements. Damned if that didn’t make his problem worse. For a brief second, Julian imagined her hips rolling along his in the same fashion and lost his footing, almost falling. Aiyanna looked down at him again, one brow quirked. “Julian, are you okay? You seem really out of it.” Her innocence was so damn cute. Especially now when she didn’t realize that all she had to do was breathe and he wanted her. Any other woman would’ve overdone every move they made, trying to find the natural sensuality that Aiyanna had in spades. Wearing something as simple as another ball cap—this one logoed with the Giants and turned backwards—a t-shirt, and a pair of jeans, she had him panting after her but didn’t even know it. It wasn’t just her body that made Julian want her though. Aiyanna’s mind worked in the most amazing of ways. She analyzed every thought that ran through her head before she let it leave her lips. He could tell from the small line that formed between her brows when she was in deep thought about something. Her logic and outlook on the simplest of things never failed to leave him in awe. Case and point, last week when he’d taken her out to one of her favorite Italian restaurants, the 59

A Rancher’s Desire waitress had spent as much time as possible hanging her cleavage in his face. It was all for naught considering Aiyanna had been wearing a gorgeous, yellow halter sundress that caused her breasts to sit up like beautiful brown offerings just for him and he hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off of them from the time that he’d picked her up. Disgusted with the lack of attention she was getting, the waitress had sat his menu down in front of him and stomped off. Julian was too busy wondering how he could get Aiyanna’s top to “accidentally” come down to care. “You could’ve at least pretended to be looking down her shirt, Julian. I think you hurt the girl’s feelings.” She hadn’t even looked up from her menu when she spoke, a small smile dancing around her lush lips. He would’ve been amazed if he hadn’t still been staring down Aiyanna’s dress contemplating on exactly how hard he had to suck her nipples to make her come. Later that night as he was lying in bed, his cock tenting the sheets and craving the scent of lilacs and orchids clinging to the supple skin of his Hermosa, was when he realized how different she really was. 60

Nikki Winter When he’d pointed out the fact that any other woman would’ve been annoyed, she simply smirked and said, “I may not always be hyper-aware of what you’ve deemed my innate sexiness, but Julian if you lean across that table any further it’s going to cave under the massive weight.” The words made him smile then as they did now. Aiyanna called his name again, concern etched into her features. Julian finally answered her. “Sorry, Hermosa. It seems I’m lost inside my own head today.” “Understatement, dude,” she drawled. He finally stopped Shadow and reached up to grasp Aiyanna’s waist. Taking her by surprise, he lifted her from the saddle and gently brought her booted feet to the ground, smiling at her shocked look. Silly woman, she obviously held the illusion that he couldn’t handle her abundant curves. She was so wrong. He backed her into Shadow’s side, towering over her. “Would you like to know what has me so distracted?” Julian questioned, leaning in to run his nose long her throat. Her smell teased his primal urges and he couldn’t help but to press a kiss to her collarbone. “Uh...I’m kind of scared to ask.” She sounded 61

A Rancher’s Desire breathless and he heard the moan she tried to hold off when he trailed his mouth up her neck and nipped a spot under her chin. “And why is that?” Julian rasped as he leaned back to look into her eyes. “Because, it might be the same thing that’s been driving me crazy for the past few weeks.” Then her gaze focused solely on his mouth and he couldn’t take it anymore. Every ounce of control that he’d recently held snapped. He gently gripped her forearms and pulled her into his chest. Aiyanna’s nostrils flared. Her eyes searching his for the confirmation that he was about to catapult them into what they both desperately wanted. Their first kiss.  Aiyanna had been waiting on this for what felt like years. She’d held off from taking any sudden steps with Julian; too afraid that once they crossed the line of sharing their bodies that she would inevitably share her heart and she wasn’t ready for that yet. But every time he touched her—even in the simplest of caresses—Aiyanna wanted to give him everything. That’s what made this all so scary. Four 62

Nikki Winter weeks and Julian had her feeling like something was wrong in her day if she didn’t talk to him. And when she got near him, that stormy gaze watching her every move, she felt exposed; naked from one simple look. He stripped away every inhibition she had with just one glance and was slowly disassembling the wall that she’d built around her heart, brick by brick. Sometimes she caught the childlike side of Julian through his need to please, to be accepted. There was a hesitation anytime he did something sweet for her. His head would bow and he’d get this sheepish look on his face as if he thought she wouldn’t accept whatever gesture he’d made. His thoughtfulness and the gentle way he handled her were the things that made him the most attractive. Julian’s heart was big. Aiyanna knew it simply from the way he took care of her. Every moment in his presence was a moment to feel appreciated and he made damn sure of that. So when his mouth swooped down on hers, his tongue pushing between her lips, Aiyanna didn’t hesitate to return the kiss. A growl rumbled up from his chest as his hands went from her arms to her shoulders then trailed down her back before settling on both halves of her ass. 63

A Rancher’s Desire It fit his huge hands perfectly. Something he seemed to agree on since he squeezed it and pulled the apex of her thighs closer to the huge bulge in his jeans. Julian’s mouth finally left hers and Aiyanna dragged in a gasp of air as his lips nibbled her earlobe then he whispered, “Do you know how many nights I stayed up stroking myself? Imagining what it would feel like to kiss you here?” His hand slid up her body to stroke his thumb across her bottom lip then trailed it downwards, encircling one hard nipple. “Or here.” His hand went lower and he cupped her pussy through her jeans. Aiyanna’s head dropped back as he said, “Or here.” Julian’s voice dipped lower with every word spoken; each one now coming out in a deep rasp that sent shivers down her spine. “I don’t even have to be near you. Just the simple thought of you makes me hard.” He placed one of her hands over his heartbeat allowing her to feel how fast it had begun to hammer. Julian slowly dragged it downward until he wrapped her palm around his length. His forehead pressed to hers and he groaned when she squeezed his cock. Before Aiyanna knew it, his lips crashed down on hers again; the kiss more demanding than it had been minutes ago. Julian’s mouth didn’t just stop there. Within seconds he had 64

Nikki Winter her shirt up and her bra pulled down, his tongue twirling around the hard peak of her nipple. “Ju-Julian...someone might see...” She tried to push at his shoulders but he just latched on harder, making her cry out. He growled again as one hand found the button and zipper on her jeans before his fingers tunneled inside and stroked the now soaked lips of her pussy. His middle finger flicked her clit and Aiyanna’s back bowed, her mouth dropping open in a silent scream. And when he turned two digits and thrust them into her moist heat, she came instantly; shuddering and panting as she slumped against him.  Julian’s hands shook as he managed to re-button and zip Aiyanna’s jeans. His mind and body were in nothing but turmoil and it was his own damn fault. He should’ve never kissed her, least of all out in the open where one of the ranch hands could’ve seen. Backing away, he bit the inside of his cheek and desperately tried to ignore the throbbing in his cock when his gaze noticed how swollen her lips were and how her brown eyes were glazed over; the rise and fall of her chest matching the panting breaths that were leaving his 65

A Rancher’s Desire body. Jesús. Julian had to get some modicum of self control and do it quickly before he fucked her like the look in her eyes was begging him to. He promised himself he wouldn’t push her and he broke that promise. Looking down, he focused on the tips of his boots as he stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans to stop himself from reaching for her again. “I’m sorry,” Julian said softly. Aiyanna was quiet for so long that he looked up at her again. That familiar frown line rested between her brows. “For kissing me or touching me?” she questioned just as softly. “Both,” he answered then watched her face fall. Julian smacked himself in the forehead. “That did not come out the way it was supposed to, Hermosa.” She snorted but sounded far from amused. “Yeah...okay.” Her arms folded across her chest and she closed her eyes. Julian clenched his jaw. She was shutting him out again. “Aiyanna—” She turned away from him. “Can you take me back now?” “Aiyanna—” “Please?” He yanked his hat off in frustration. Now he’d 66

Nikki Winter have to spend the thirty minute walk calling himself every kind of name that he could think of. Slamming the Stetson back on his head, he walked up behind Aiyanna and clicked his tongue once. Shadow came trotting up from where he’d wandered off to and Julian lifted Aiyanna’s tense body, sitting her back on the horse. She may have been pissed off with him but he damn sure wasn’t about to watch her walk when she didn’t have to. For a second, she looked down at him and her face softened. Julian stared back, hopeful, but Aiyanna looked away again; the muscle in her jaw jumping. Sighing, Julian gripped the reins and started off, wondering how he was going to fix this one.

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Chapter Six “Wait, wait, wait.” Lalani waved her hands to stem the flow of words leaving Aiyanna’s mouth. “He said he was sorry?” Aiyanna bit off a mouthful of her burger. She and Lalani had decided to stay in all weekend, stuffing themselves like Luau pigs and watching movies that made them want to find men and beat them. “Yup.” She nodded and sucked down some beer. “But...why?” Aiyanna shrugged. “I don’t have the slightest idea. One minute it’s like he has eight hands at once— which I don’t think I’d be particularly objective to after this one time—and the next, he can’t snatch ’em away fast enough.” Lalani looked so confused that it almost made Aiyanna smile...almost. “But...why?” “In the last five seconds from the first time you asked me that question,” Aiyanna leaned into her friend, “I still don’t know.” “Okay, it was obvious he wanted to fuck you right?” “Judging from the sudden branch of oak that sprouted from his loins, I would concur.” Lalani blinked and shook her head. “Can’t you 68

Nikki Winter just say he was hard like a normal person?” “Have you ever known me to be normal? Really?” “No, not even when we first met and that saddens me because you’re not supposed to flash your crazy to the first person who’ll look.” “Some days, I question why I never tried to push you off a cliff.” “Because you need my logic and wisdom.” Aiyanna started laughing and couldn’t stop until she noticed that Lalani hadn’t joined in. “Oh...you’re serious.” Her friend took the throw pillow she’d been resting on and bopped Aiyanna on the head with it twice. “That was me trying to knock some since into you.” She did it again. “And that was just for fun.” “You can be such an asshole.” “I know but that’s beside the point.” “I think we lost the point five minutes ago when you talked about my lack of sanity.” Lalani nodded. “Yes, now I’m going to clue you in on something that you probably haven’t considered as of yet because you have these Forest Gump moments sometimes and I have to reel you back in.” Aiyanna opened her mouth and Lalani held up a hand. “You mention shrimp and that’s your ass, King.” 69

A Rancher’s Desire She clamped her mouth shut and sat back with a sigh. Waving a hand she went, “Okay, clue me in on yourself proclaimed wisdom.” “Have you ever stopped to think that Julian is holding off on the bed charades because he doesn’t want you to think that all he wants from you is sex?” “I don’t know what’s scarier; the fact that what you just said made sense or the fact that what you just said made sense.” “Those facts were the same thing.” Aiyanna nodded. “Yeah, I know. Either way I’m fucked if suddenly out of the twenty years that I’ve known you, this is the first time something you said actually makes me believe you do have some logic.” “Fuck you.” “Julian’s job,” Aiyanna sang. “Not if he doesn’t stop with his sudden vow of celibacy,” Lalani sang back. “Facts and examples, Lalani. I asked you for neither.” Despite her teasing, what her friend suggested actually had some merit. She’d been hurt yesterday when Julian had pulled back so quickly but now it was a little bit clearer. He’d been more than ready to take her, Aiyanna had seen it in his eyes yet he’d stopped. Why? Because when they’d first met she told him that she wasn’t interested in being a 70

Nikki Winter playmate. Now what? She was horny and didn’t exactly know how to ask for what she wanted. Playing games was never really something that interested her and she couldn’t exactly grab his dick and make demands. Could she? Aiyanna shook the thought away. No, no, no, she’d be normal. The question was, what did that mean exactly? “Hey, you wanna stop your mental conversation and answer your phone before I throw it across the room? The buzzing is getting on my nerves.” Aiyanna snapped out of her thoughts and grabbed her cell. “That’s the four beers you had, not my phone that’s giving you a buzz.” Lalani scowled and she stuck out her tongue before looking down at her cell. “Oh shit, it’s Julian.” “Don’t sit there looking stupid, answer it!” “What do I say?” “Just be cool and aloof.” “Oh yeah, because I’m really great at both of those. Remember ninth grade when Tommy Wilkins tried to ask me out and you gave me the same advice?” Lalani winced. “He really was never the same after you accidentally knocked him into the home economics stove. Although, I heard he did go on to become a firefighter.” 71

A Rancher’s Desire Aiyanna went to reply when she realized her phone had stopped ringing. “See? I told you to answer it!” “Don’t yell at me and uh-oh it’s ringing again.” “Answer it!” “Stop yelling!” “Aiyanna Jordyn so help me God...” “Okay, okay.” She finally hit the button to answer it. “Hello?” Lalani fell out giggling at her impression of “cool and aloof.” Aiyanna kicked her. “I want to take you to dinner tonight.” There wasn’t the slightest hint of hesitation in Julian’s smooth voice. Aiyanna bit her lip and waved a hand at Lalani who had apparently heard him and kept mouthing, “Say yes!” “I don’t know, Julian. I’m kind of busy today.” “No she’s not!” Lalani shouted. Taking both sock clad feet, Aiyanna managed to push her friend all the way off the sectional. “Ow, you bitch!” Julian’s chuckle came in clear. “Busy committing acts of violence against your partner in crime?” Her lips twitched. “Maybe.” “Have dinner with me? Please? I was an ass 72

Nikki Winter yesterday.” Leaning back on the couch, she shook her head but realized he couldn’t see her. “No, you weren’t. I think I understand why you did it.” There was a pause. “You shouldn’t ever doubt how much I want you, Hermosa. I just didn’t want to push you.” “I wasn’t exactly fighting you off, Julian.” Lalani’s head popped up long enough for her to make kissing noises. Aiyanna’s foot swung but Lalani ducked. “Ah-ha!” That’s when Aiyanna threw a pillow and knocked her back down. “I hate you!” Julian was full on laughing now, the deep sound making Aiyanna smile. “Are you enjoying my torment Mr. Almanza?” “If I say no will you finally put me out of my misery and agree to dinner?” “Maybe.” Somehow Lalani was fast enough to snatch the phone out of her hands and being that she was only a size smaller than Aiyanna, she held her own when Aiyanna tried to wrestle it back from her. “Hello? Julian. Hi! Yes, I’m surviving her cruel abuse. I know! She’s so mean to me. Tell you what, I’ll have her ready by eight. Is that okay? Ah, great. I’ll even make sure 73

A Rancher’s Desire she has on no panties.” “Well Julian, if you even make it to the restaurant to kill male gawking onlookers after realizing she’s not wearing any, you’re doing something wrong my friend. Okay, eight. Don’t fuck up this time, alright?” She finally hung up the phone and looked over her shoulder at Aiyanna who was sitting on Lalani’s back, glaring at her. Lalani grinned. “So it looks like you have dinner plans tonight. Need some help picking out a dress?” Aiyanna simply stood and headed for her bedroom. She ignored the other woman when she yelled out, “Aw c’mon A.J. I’m doing you a favor here!”  He wouldn’t do it. No, no, no. He’d made it all through dinner, even though he’d been wondering if Lalani really had let her leave the house sans panties. Julian didn’t have time to check for himself since Aiyanna had simply been shoved onto her front porch with the door locking behind her. Now he was pulling up into her driveway, determined to keep his eyes off her thighs and his cock to himself. 74

Nikki Winter “You were quiet tonight.” Glancing over at Aiyanna, he tried desperately not to get caught in her gaze. He didn’t exactly know what Lalani had done but his woman’s eyes were smokier than usual, her lips looked fuller and the dress... It was black, strapless and it had to be taking an act of God to hold her breasts up like that. Julian sighed. “Aiyanna I’m going to walk you to your door, say goodnight, and go back to my hotel room.” His temporary housing at the moment until her company was finish with his home. Her lips twitched. “Okay.” He nodded once and got out of the driver’s side to walk around and open the door for her. Taking her hand in his, he gently pulled her until she was fully out of his truck and sucked in a deep breath when her chest brushed against his. He. Wouldn’t. Do. It. Fighting every primal instinct he had, Julian tugged her along until they reached her front door and stared at her under the low light of her porch lamp. God, she was beautiful and he wanted her so bad that his whole body ached. He. Wouldn’t. Do. It. Brushing a stray tendril of hair from her forehead, he leaned in and placed a kiss there. “Goodnight, Hermosa.” Her eyes searched his for a moment and when 75

A Rancher’s Desire he saw acute disappointment in their brown depths, it made him want to take the feeling away, all night long. He. Wouldn’t. Do. It. “Goodnight,” Aiyanna finally whispered. He waited until she opened and closed the door behind her before his eyes slammed shut and he placed a palm on the solid oak. “Jesús help me,” Julian murmured and started back for his truck. He got to the bottom step of her porch before he heard the door swing open again. Turning, he saw Aiyanna standing there, nibbling her bottom lip, her eyes so full of need that he couldn’t have stopped himself from walking back up that porch even if he wanted to. Dammit. He was going to do it.

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Chapter Seven Aiyanna could distinctly remember one of her first trips to the zoo. Their guide had said to never tempt a caged animal. As soon as Julian’s stormy gaze locked on her, the words reverberated in her mind. She wasn’t dealing with Julian anymore. Well, not Julian per se. No, this was the other side. The one that Daddies feared their daughters would chase and the one that Mamas warned their baby girls about. This was the animal; the one that resided in every man. The side that could make you wet with a simple glance and a calmly spoken word. The side that had you spend all day wiggling in your office chair as you tried in vain to suppress the ache that suddenly built. The side that made you want to sleep in all morning because the night before every ounce of energy you’d had was drained in one fell swoop. Oh, this was that side and for every step Julian took to get closer to her, Aiyanna could feel the walls of her pussy clench in anticipation. She was so ready that with one touch she would shoot off like a rocket. She backed up as he came forward. Julian kicked the door closed with one foot, his eyes still locked on her. Then he was sliding one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders as he jerked her 77

A Rancher’s Desire into his chest. His mouth came down on hers so quick that he stole her next breath and when his tongue pushed between her lips she was a goner. Julian’s jacket went flying. His boots went next along with her stilettos and then he was ripping the zipper down the side of her dress as far as it could go before he yanked it off. Any insecurity that she might’ve held while standing in front of him half naked melted away due to the searing heat in his eyes. They trailed from her face until they reached the apex of her thighs. Julian’s nostrils flared. “She kept her promise.” Aiyanna smirked. “And you broke yours.” She backed away slowly, heading for the stairs. “Gonna keep going down your road paved with good intentions, cowboy?” When his eyes narrowed, she ran.  He caught her before she even reached the second step; the sight of her bare, smooth, round ass was too much temptation now that he was faced with it—literally. Aiyanna’s surprised laughter brought a smile to his face as he spun her back around and sat 78

Nikki Winter her on the floor in front of the steps, spreading her legs as wide as possible. Nothing was left to the imagination; her pussy lips were bare and swollen, the pink pearl of her clit peeking out and just begging for his mouth. But first he needed to hear Aiyanna beg. Julian’s knees hit the carpet that her luscious ass was resting on. He pinned her in on either side, watching amusement light her gaze. “I’m gonna get rug burn tonight, aren’t I?” He kissed her forehead, both her cheeks and settled on her lips, slipping his tongue inside and tangling it with hers. When she moaned and reached for him, he moved back. “I’ll make it feel all better tomorrow, Hermosa,” Julian murmured before leaving a trail of kisses down her throat. Stopping at her collarbone, he reached behind her to unhook her bra and threw it over his shoulder. Her nipples perked up under his stare and Julian’s mouth watered. He’d spent the night before in his hotel room trying to remember exactly how they’d felt on his tongue while stroking his cock until his wrist was sore and he had to stop. Tonight, he’d be buried balls deep inside of his woman and wouldn’t have that problem. Cupping both of her full breasts, he pressed them together and went from one nipple to the other, 79

A Rancher’s Desire licking and sucking until her hips were rocking in a restless motion and needy moans were pouring from her mouth. Julian moved his lips to her soft belly and pressed a kiss there, briefly considering the fact that, whether she knew it or not, this place would one day house their babies. Aiyanna may not be completely ready to face her feelings for him but Julian knew without a shadow of a doubt that he’d fallen for her the night he’d first laid eyes on her. It was just that simple. He kissed the insides of her thighs, getting as close to her heat as possible before backing away again. A groan left her mouth and made him chuckle darkly. She was more than ready, that he knew but until she asked, he wouldn’t give her what she wanted. For the next few minutes he kept up the play, teasing her until she finally growled and gripped his hair, tugging his head back. “Julian.” “Yes?” “You’re fucking with me.” He smirked. “Yes.” She tugged his hair again and his cock jumped. “Stop. It.” “Ask me for it.” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “That’s not gonna 80

Nikki Winter happen.” His grin spread wider. Instead of replying verbally, he leaned down and shoved his tongue as far into her wet canal as he could. Aiyanna’s back hit the stairs, her cries ringing out around them as he fucked her with his mouth. Julian felt the exact moment her climax began. Her breath came out in harsh pants, her thighs clenched around his head and he felt every shudder that passed over her body. That’s when he pulled back. Aiyanna’s eyes opened wide. “Ask me for it,” Julian stated simply. His cock was so hard it hurt and he had to either free himself or risk permanent zipper marks on his flesh. “Julian.” Her chest rose and fell with every hard breath. He pressed another slow lingering kiss to the inside of her right thigh before whispering, “Ask me for it, Hermosa. And I promise I’ll give it to you.” Watching the self battle play out over her features was fun to say the least. She wanted to let go but didn’t know how. Finally, she softly said, “Please.” That was enough for him. Julian kicked his jeans and boxers off, positioned himself between her legs and thrust into her with one smooth motion. The 81

A Rancher’s Desire warm, wet heat of her pussy greeted him and it felt like pure nirvana. The sensation of her wrapping around his cock made him realize exactly how many an empire had risen and been decimated in one fell swoop because of this special place on a woman’s body. He could understand how it drove men crazy; how it made them possessive and needy. Because the very thought of another man touching what he now claimed as his had Julian shoving his tongue into her mouth again as he jackhammered his hips; making sure she felt all of him, making sure she understood exactly who possessed her body at the moment. Aiyanna gave as good as she got, her hips lifting at every pass to connect with his in a motion that had flesh slapping against flesh. Julian pushed her legs back into her chest and watched as tears of pleasure crested her lids. Her mouth opened but no sound left except moans and the occasional call of his name. And when she came, squeezing his dick hard enough to snap it in two, a gush of warm sticky honey greeting his length, he followed her right over the edge as he tried not to swallow his own tongue.

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Chapter Eight “Lalani, if you knock on my desk again, death shall become you,” Aiyanna growled, not lifting her head from its resting position on her folded arms. Tired, she was so damned tired. Julian had kept her up all night since it was the first time she’d gotten to see him all week. A month later and his house was finally complete. That meant she had plenty of time to work on other projects—which also meant it ate into their time together. Something her cowboy had expressed his displeasure for clearly the night before. Apparently, taking a retired bull rider for a spin without stretching first was a bad idea. No matter how many hot soaks she’d taken, Aiyanna still couldn’t shake the soreness from her previously underused muscles. “Do I get a scythe?” her friend asked with way too much morning cheer. “Didn’t we have this conversation before? Large blades of any kind are never to be in your possession again. And what happens if I do catch you with one?” Lalani poked out her bottom lip. “You call my ex-parole officer?” “Precisely. Now why are you in here instead of torturing Dastan or John?” 83

A Rancher’s Desire Lalani leaned back in her chair. “Oh, because we have a code blue.” Aiyanna’s head snapped up. “You set something on fire again?” “No! That’s a code red.” Frowning, she asked, “Are you sure because I could’ve sworn we—” “For God’s sake A.J., your mother is in the waiting area.” Aiyanna froze and blinked. “I’m sorry,” she chuckled. “I thought you just said my mother is in the waiting area.” Lalani’s look was sympathetic. “She is, sweetheart. And she wants you.” She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples. She’d managed to avoid her mother for almost a month now but Aiyanna knew it could only last for so long. “Okay, how bad do I look?” “You look like Julian fucked you through the headboard.” Lalani shrugged. “Wonderful.” She sighed and stood, stretching the tired muscles of her back and shoulders before deciding it was time to face the woman who’d spawned her. Aiyanna found Evelyn examining their office space with her usual critical look of disapproval. Her 84

Nikki Winter mother couldn’t have looked more bored if she were a cat and that was saying a lot. “Mama,” she forced fake cheer into her voice. “What’re you doing here? In my office? Around people I have to work with on a daily basis. You haven’t actually talked to anyone have you?” Evelyn looked up and her face quickly twisted into a frown. “You look horrible.” Aiyanna smiled wide. “You know me. I wake up every day with the goal of looking like shit.” Lalani elbowed her and Aiyanna cleared her throat. “So...what brings you here? To the one place I thought I could escape your clutches?” Lalani bumped her again. “I mean claws.” Another elbow. “I meant talons.” At that point, her best friend simply gave up and walked away. Aiyanna thought she was being unreasonable. Evelyn rolled her eyes. “I came to take you to lunch.” “Oh,” Aiyanna said with as little enthusiasm as possible. “Why?” “Because it’s what mothers do for their daughters.” Aiyanna laughed so hard tears crested her eyes. She stopped when she noticed Evelyn hadn’t joined in. 85

A Rancher’s Desire “Oh...you’re serious?” “Get your things, Aiyanna. I’ll be downstairs waiting.” Then she turned on her heels and marched out, back straight. Aiyanna briefly wondered how big the stick her mother had shoved up her ass was. “So,” Lalani reappeared. “What’d she want?” “To take me to lunch.” “Oh.” Her friend sounded as excited as she had. “Why?” “Because apparently that’s what mothers do for their daughters.” Aiyanna answered, looking at Lalani. All it took was that split second for their eyes to meet before they were both leaning over and gasping for breath, trying desperately to stop laughing. “Lani, you should’ve seen her face! She was so serious!” “Oh my God, I can’t take it...please...” “Then she did the drill Sergeant march outta here!” Lalani shook her head, wiped tears from her eyes and imitated said march all the way back to her own office. When Dastan found Aiyanna laid out on the waiting room couch, close to blacking out from laughing so hard she hurt, he simply shook his head and kept on going. 86

Nikki Winter  Aiyanna stared down at the menu in her hands before looking up at the waiter. “I’ll have the—” “Caesar salad, low fat dressing,” Evelyn interrupted. The waiter looked from her to her mother. Aiyanna grinned wide as she stared at the control freak sitting across from her. “As a matter of fact, I will have the Caesar salad.” Evelyn looked pleasantly surprised until Aiyanna added, “With the fried chicken strips on top. Also, I’d like the T-bone with a fully loaded baked potato and a long neck.” With a satisfied sigh, she handed over her menu, never once taking her eyes off Evelyn. “No matter what I do—” “You’ll never be able to change me,” Aiyanna finished with a smirk. “So do us both a favor and stop trying already, okay?” Her mother sat back after ordering, folding her arms across her chest. “I only want what’s best for you.” Aiyanna mimicked the action. “No, Mama. You want what’s best for you and somehow having a daughter who isn’t the perfect size two, does what you deem man’s work, and hasn’t popped out a litter of 87

A Rancher’s Desire babies yet makes you a failure.” She shook her head. “It’s sad.” The pearl clutching didn’t take long to appear. “Aiyanna Jordyn, I am—” “Selfish, unaccepting, controlling, manipulative and will never be satisfied with me. So let’s stop pretending that if I turned into your perfect little angel right now you’d be happy.” She leaned into the table and tapped a finger onto the hardwood. “The fact of the matter is Mama, somewhere in that bottomless pit you call a heart, I know there’s some form of affection or pride for me. How could there not be? Despite my size I’m still confident, beautiful,” her voice dropped with a smile, “and apparently sexy. I have three degrees, my own business and the home I currently live in, I built with my own two hands. So stop looking at me as if I’m a disappointment to you and not that warped sense of self worth that was instilled at your debutante balls and country club meetings when Nana wasn’t on you about your poise and etiquette.” Aiyanna sat back again. “And start appreciating that your child hasn’t devoted all her time to trying to be perfect in a world that thrives on imperfections; that I haven’t spent every waking moment planning on trapping a doctor or depending on a man just to get through the day. Take a second and really consider 88

Nikki Winter that despite every attempt to engineer me into a pretty little princess, I still hold true to myself and I wake up every single day fulfilled and happy. If anything, you should be proud of that accomplishment because in your own very strange way, you made me who I am.” Evelyn didn’t say anything for a long time. Her smile was small, a little sad. “Guess I’m not perfect either, huh?” Aiyanna’s lips curved up at the corners. She reached across the table to briefly squeeze her mother’s hand. “No, but for every time you got on my last damn nerve, made me want to scream and cuss and act a fool, made me want to run away and never look back—it made me stronger. We may not be best friends Mama, but because of you I know I can handle anything thrown at me.” And just like that, Evelyn’s haughty look was back. “Yes...well that was my intent; to make you stronger.” Aiyanna chuckled. “I’m sure it was.” “A.J.?” She looked up at her mother, having not heard the nickname leave Evelyn’s lips in a long time. Maybe she would share something intensely profound, maybe they’d mend fences. “Yes?” Evelyn looked around for a bit before leaning 89

A Rancher’s Desire into the table and whispering, “Share your steak with me?” Or maybe she’d have to fight the woman who spawned her for her own food.  Thirty-four and the last time he’d had a woman take care of him was at the age of six when he’d fallen outside playing with Havan and his mother had bandaged his knee, patted him on the head, and sent him on his way. It was strange. Julian had been so used to doing everything in his power to please whatever woman he was dating that he never really had anyone take care of him. And that’s what Aiyanna was doing; she was taking care of him. Another month had gone by since the first night they’d made love and every moment after that, the wall she’d built around herself had slowly chipped away. He’d known as soon as he saw the remodel on his house. Just the small details that she’d considered, like a whirlpool in his gym so he could soak after work on the ranch or the deck she’d had built so he could overlook the horses when they roamed. But right now, as Julian stood in the doorway of his kitchen and watched her move around in one of his 90

Nikki Winter t-shirts stir-frying Chinese food, her hair pinned up as she swayed to the radio, it hit him exactly how much he needed her. Aiyanna gave him something that no other woman ever had; the feeling of being appreciated. Everything that he did, she really, truly, honestly appreciated. Even the small things like making her breakfast in the morning or bringing her lunch managed to bring a smile to her face; a smile that he was getting more and more used to seeing. But one thing seemed to be standing in their way—her unwillingness to introduce him to her family. Julian had put everything about his mother on the table, told Aiyanna all there was to know but anytime he asked her about her own parents, she shut down. Or at least she did at the mention of her mother. She had plenty of stories about her and Elan as kids; had even told him about her father whom she appeared to think was the greatest man on earth, but when the subject of Evelyn King came up, Aiyanna simply clammed up. By saying nothing, she pretty much told him everything he needed to know about the dynamics between mother and daughter. He just wished she’d open that small door and let him in. Then maybe he 91

A Rancher’s Desire could figure out why there was still a part of herself that she held away. She loved him, of that Julian was sure, but she wouldn’t verbalize it and that was the one thing he needed more than anything else; to hear the words. He desperately needed that validation. Especially after the call he’d gotten from Alyss earlier. Every once in a blue moon, she’d call to tell him how much of a disappointment he was. Havan had stopped answering her calls long ago and had advised Julian to do the same but he just wasn’t ready to cut the cord yet; hoping that at some point Alyss would change. Surprisingly enough, this call had been different. Alyss’ latest husband had apparently left her for someone else so now she was lonely. Julian found himself unmoved by the sound of her well executed sobs. No, this time something inside him had hardened against his mother. All these years, all this time, men had come before him and Havan. Yet now, when she found that her appeal to the opposite sex was dwindling, she came running back. And when he wouldn’t show her any sympathy, she called him cold hearted and went so far as to claim that he’d been that way for a long time. He could mark today off his calendar as another day that the first woman he’d ever loved still wasn’t 92

Nikki Winter satisfied with him. What if that was the case with Aiyanna? What if she did love him but she just wasn’t satisfied with him? What if he wasn’t doing enough to make her happy? “You know,” Aiyanna finally said, glancing at him over her shoulder, “normally your brooding looks, all sexy and mysterious, lead to lascivious and dirty thoughts on my part. Then that makes me wanna have my filthy way with you when you come home.” She turned off the stove and placed a lid on the pan of stirfry. “But right now I’m contemplating whether or not I need an umbrella for that storm cloud over your head.” She walked over to him and grabbed his hand before tugging him behind her towards the stairs. Julian followed, knowing better than to argue. He’d tried it once…didn’t turn out well. It was no fun sleeping next to a naked woman you couldn’t touch. They reached the master bedroom and before he stepped from the hardwood floors of the hallway onto the carpeted floors of the room, Aiyanna simply said, “Strip please.” Already half hard from watching her wiggle her ass, Julian’s cock shot up full mast at the softly spoken request. He kicked off his boots, jeans and t-shirt, 93

A Rancher’s Desire having known better than to enter the house with his Stetson still on. She headed through the room and opened the door that connected to his gym. Julian stood by and watched her turn on the jets in the whirlpool—which she’d already filled with hot water. The t-shirt that she’d pilfered from one of his drawers soon floated to the floor. She climbed into the large tub, and held out a hand to him. Julian took it without hesitation, letting her straddle him as he sat down in the steaming water. The jets worked his lower back, while Aiyanna rubbed soap into her palms and kneaded his shoulders. His head went back with as sigh as he stared up at her through lowered lids. “You ready to talk now, cowboy?” she questioned softly. He could always lie and say nothing was wrong but she’d see through that, this he knew for sure. Sighing, he answered, “My mother called today.” Aiyanna’s ministrations stopped. “And?” “And it was pretty much the same talk. Except this time, I got the added bonus of hearing about her latest husband leaving.” “And how did that make you feel?” He paused, jaw clenching as he focused on a spot 94

Nikki Winter just over her shoulder. “Julian?” Aiyanna coaxed softly. He finally answered. “Some part of me felt satisfied, it’s not right but I did. Havan and I had to watch her go from man to man, giving affection, claiming love but she never gave that to us.” Julian looked at her. “Do you know that one of her exes had a son that she would hold and rock to sleep at night? I was about seven or eight when I saw her doing it. I asked her why she wouldn’t do that for me and you know what she said?” Aiyanna shook her head. Julian snorted. “She said, ‘Because you look like him.’” She cupped her hands and rinsed his body before wrapping her arms around him and squeezing tight and resting her head on his shoulder. Julian let out a deep breath and returned the embrace. She kissed his collar bone. “I’m sorry, baby.” “Not your fault,” he whispered. “I know, but I wish there was something I could do.” Aiyanna leaned back and ran her hands through his hair. Julian stared up into her eyes, wanting to ask her why she was still holding back from him; to demand that she finally let him into the one secret 95

A Rancher’s Desire place she had but he didn’t. He simply kissed her nose and said, “You’d tell me if you weren’t happy right?” She gripped his face in her palms and kissed his lips once then again. “Have you ever known me not to be vocal?” Julian shook his head and she smirked, rocking on his lap. He clenched his teeth at the silky feel of her pussy gliding over his cock head. “Maybe I haven’t been vocal enough?” Aiyanna’s voice dropped, the tone sliding over his skin like a caress and when she leaned in to tug his earlobe between her teeth, the muscles in his thighs jumped. “Is that it, Julian?” Her fingers raked through his scalp as her hips started a slow winding motion once again. “Do I not scream enough for you?” His heart stopped and started again. “Aiyanna—” He started through clenched teeth. She shook her head; droplets of steam glistening off the perfect shade of her skin, making her appear as if she were dusted in gold. “Shh. Tell me.” Her lips found his, tongue dipping between the seams to tangle with his. “Do you want me to scream louder?” Aiyanna’s hips came down, her pussy enveloping him in its warm, wet heat so quickly that it was all he could take before he lost it. 96

Nikki Winter  One minute she was two seconds from coming, the next Julian had lifted her off his dick to turn her around. Her back to his chest, he made her straddle him before he was back inside of her. His hips came up, stealing the air from her lungs with that first violent thrust that rocked her forward. Aiyanna’s hands gripped the edge of the whirlpool, the water beginning to make waves around them as their flesh met again and again. Julian’s grip on her waist tightened as he bounced her on his cock. The friction of him stretching her inner walls as the head of his shaft found her gspot made her cry out. Julian nipped her shoulder, one arm wrapping just underneath her breasts to hold her tighter to him as the other hand came up to tug and pinch her nipples. “I don’t hear you screaming, Hermosa.” Jesus, his voice rumbled in her ear and butterflies danced her stomach. “Maybe I should stop, hmm?” His thrusts slowed then came to a halt. “Julian!” 97

A Rancher’s Desire He chuckled behind her then started again. “Ah, there it is.” Easing them both into a position where they were on their knees he rode her harder. “Oh...God...Julian...” She let go of the edge with one hand, bringing it up to wrap around the back of his neck and hold him tighter to her. His long, forceful strokes had stopped, turning into short sharp ones that made tears crest on her lashes. “Oh God...Oh God...Oh God...” “Louder, Hermosa,” Julian growled and her back arched as she pushed into him, teetering on the cliff of a cataclysmic explosion. When one palm came down on her ass in a firm tap, the pleasurable sting spread from where his hand had connected and zinged straight to her clit. Aiyanna’s screams were loud enough to leave her almost hoarse and Julian’s roar of release just made her walls contract harder around him. They both slumped over, splashing water as they panted. “Was that...loud...enough?” Her lover smiled, the lean slashes in his cheeks deepening. He brushed her bangs out of her eyes. “Yes, sweetheart, that was loud enough.”

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Chapter Nine “So exactly why won’t you let us meet Julian?” Elan asked Aiyanna as he reached for the fries on her plate. She stabbed at his hand with a fork, completely unconcerned about how much it had to hurt. “Keep your hands across the table or problems will commence between us. And I haven’t let him meet you because I’m scared Mama will run him off.” Her twin sat back, his brows slightly arched. “How do you figure?” “She’s just like his mother with her unrealistic need for perfection. Has she pulled back from me? Yes. But once she gets around Julian—” “—He’ll really believe the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree because he doesn’t know her like we do.” Aiyanna nodded her head once. “Precisely.” “But he knows you. You don‘t think he’ll see past Mom’s obvious flaws?” She snorted. “Okay let me break it down. You know how Mama made it her life mission to let me know how much I sucked as a daughter?” He nodded. “Now think about the effects that would’ve had if 99

A Rancher’s Desire I didn’t already believe I was the epitome of awesomeness.” Elan chuckled. “You’d be one mind-fucked human being who was always trying to please everyone.” She waved her hands. “Exactly! The difference between Julian and I is that one small detail. I didn’t believe shit Mama told me but I think he believes everything his mother told him. Now here is where the psychological analyzing begins.” “Bring it on home Dr. Phil.” Aiyanna flipped him the bird. “His mother was the first woman he ever gave his heart to because he trusted—like all kids—that she would protect and nurture it but she broke it. In the process, she broke his confidence. And while he may be able to carry on a functioning relationship, both in the romantic sense and the platonic sense, he has still held on to the niggling doubt that he is in fact, not good enough. I can see it in his eyes, Elan. Every time the man wakes up next to me—” “Euww.” “—It’s almost like he can’t believe I’m still there. He has this fear that one day I’m going to turn into his mother, that nothing—no matter how wonderful—he does will make me happy with him. She did that to 100

Nikki Winter him. She made him doubt how amazing he is. That baffles me because when I first met him, dude made me reconsider my no fucking on the first date rule.” Elan choked then gagged. “Jesus A.J. Do you want me to kill myself?” She smirked. “I’ve gotten past the phase of imagining your painful death. Now, if you’d have asked me that ten years ago...” Her twin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re an asshole.” “I know.” He put his elbows on the restaurant table, something he would’ve never dared to do had Evelyn been present. “The question is what’re you going to do about Julian?” She sat back. “Until I’m sure he can stop doubting himself and me, I can’t do anything. I have to get him to disassociate his insecurity about my feelings before I can open that door with Mama or she’ll take him right back to the headspace of thinking about his own mother.” Her brother sat back in his own chair, blowing out a breath. “Well, little sister, looks like you have quite the debacle on your hands.” “Yup.” “So what do we do while we wait for things to pan out between you two?” 101

A Rancher’s Desire She looked at Elan, a slow smile spreading across her face. “I know for a fact Lalani’s home today and doing nothing.” He grinned back. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” “That we kidnap her and drag her out to the countryside again?” Laughing, he stood and tossed down a twenty to pay for lunch. “You never did get over the itchy underwear did you?” Aiyanna stood too, determined that today she would get her revenge. “Nope. And after this, Lani and I will be perfectly even.”  “I don’t understand why you’re so worried. It’s pretty obvious she loves you.” Julian stopped pacing his brother’s family room floor inside of the brand new condo purchased courtesy of his winnings from the first frontier circuit. His nonchalant attitude was grating on Julian’s nerves. But what more could he expect from a man who was too busy immersed in the world of Xbox 360 ™ to be concerned about his younger brother’s love problems? 102

Nikki Winter “That’s not the problem. I don’t doubt that she loves me. She just won’t tell me.” Havan sighed as dramatically as possible and finally put down the wireless controller in his hand. He patted the cushion next to him. “Come and sit and listen to the wisdom of your older brother.” Julian rolled his eyes but took the seat anyway. “Now, Hermano, I’m going to clue you in on something that you may not be aware of.” Julian waved a hand. “Aiyanna is not Alyss.” His brother sat back like he’d just revealed the day the world would end. Frowning, Julian said, “I know that.” Havan shook his head. “I know you understand that in here.” He pointed to his head. “But it hasn’t processed in here.” He pointed to his chest. “You keep thinking that Aiyanna is going to suddenly wake up one day and see you as nothing.” “That’s not true.” “Yes, it is. I may not be too inclined on finding a woman to tie me down for the rest of my life but I definitely know love when I see it and the way that woman treats you is more than enough to prove it. I get it. Alyss never verbalized the words and she damn sure didn’t show it but you have to separate that experience from this one.” Havan looked him dead in 103

A Rancher’s Desire the eye. “Tell me something. Have you told her you love her?” That made Julian pause. “No, but—” Havan picked up his controller. “I rest my case.” Then he went back to his game. Julian hopped up. “That’s it!” Havan didn’t deter from his task of killing zombies. “What?” “I’ll tell her I love her! Maybe she just needs to hear the words first! Then she will say it back and all will be solved!” “Julian that’s not what I—” “Maybe you are wise, Havan.” Julian chuckled after saying it. “Sorry. Even I didn’t believe that statement.” He grabbed his keys and headed for the door, determined to make Aiyanna come to terms with what they were both feeling.

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Chapter Ten Aiyanna wasn’t halfway in the door of Julian’s place before he was there, in her space, grabbing her waist and fully pulling her in. “Hi,” he breathed, grinning like he’d just won the lotto. Her smile was slow in coming but it did get there. “Hi. What’re you so happy about cowboy?” She sat down her bag and unzipped her hoodie. Julian didn’t stop grinning but he did look at her hair curiously. “Why is there wheat stuck in your hair?” Aiyanna blinked innocently. “I have no idea.” “I have a feeling this has something to do with Lalani.” She began to whistle and head for the kitchen. He followed. “Never mind that.” Going to the fridge, she pulled out things to start dinner then washed her hands. “Tell me why you’re in such a good mood.” His eyes, as intense as always, focused on her as he made his way around the kitchen island. He gripped her hands in his and pulled her into his chest as he stared down into her upturned face. “Because, I love you.” Julian’s expression turned pensive, expectant, 105

A Rancher’s Desire and her stomach dropped. For a brief moment after he’d said the words she’d felt them hit her square in the heart. But his face, that expression let her know he wasn’t saying it because he was opening up, because he was finally trusting her. No, he was saying it simply because he wanted to hear the words spoken back. He was saying it because somehow, despite everything they’d been to each other, no matter how much she showed him in every other way; he still didn’t believe she really, truly, honestly loved him without her verbalizing it. She could withhold the validation that he so desperately needed or she could tell him what she felt. Not saying the words back would hurt him and she couldn’t bring herself to do it, even if she didn’t believe he’d fully trust it, Aiyanna still needed to say it. Julian had told her that Alyss had never once told him she loved him. What he failed to realize was his mother could’ve screamed it from the rooftops but she never showed him. Every man that came along was always more important than him and Havan. Aiyanna needed him to recognize that the action was far more important than just spewing the words. But still, if it was what he needed, then she’d do it. Julian’s smile slipped then disappeared when she didn’t respond. He squeezed her hands and tried 106

Nikki Winter to smile again but failed. “Aiyanna, I love you.” He looked so worried that she couldn’t help but to want to ease that, reassure him. Smiling a little, she reached up and cupped his face before she retorted, “And I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.” It was the truth, it wouldn’t fully penetrate with him yet but it was the truth. That light in his eyes was back; the one he got whenever he looked at her, the one that made her heart stop. He looked so relieved that it made her happy and sad all at the same time. How could a woman, a mother, look at this face and not fall in love? The grin returned and from that look alone she could tell all was right in Julian’s world. Because of that, all was right in hers too. Then that signature grin turned into a chuckle—a mischievous chuckle; one that had Aiyanna backing away from him. “Julian…I’m supposed to be making dinner.” Smiling wolfishly, he stalked her around the kitchen island. “Oh Hermosa, I’m looking at what I want to eat right now.” “No, Julian. If I don’t cook now, we’re gonna be stuck eating frozen waffles in bed later…again.” He sighed dramatically. “Okay, I will make a deal with you.” She waited. 107

A Rancher’s Desire Waving a hand as if he were ruler of all, the cowboy stated, “I will give you a head start.” He leaned across the counter and his voice dropped lower. “But know something Hermosa, when I catch you, I’ll make sure you can’t run for the rest of the night.” Her heart thumped. Aiyanna’s gaze swung from his smirking face over to the set of stairs that led out of the kitchen. When she turned back around, Julian was standing in front of her. She didn’t get a chance to yell the “Oh shit!” that had bubbled up in the back of her throat before he snatched her to his chest. “Too slow, baby.” Then his mouth was on hers and just as he predicted, Aiyanna didn’t want to run.  She loved him. That was all he could focus on. Aiyanna had finally said it and Julian knew deep down that she meant it. Those three little words may not have mattered to anyone else but they did to her and she didn’t use them lightly, that he knew. He’d been scared as shit that she wouldn’t say it back but she had and nothing could’ve made him happier at the moment. As usual, she didn’t reject his kiss; just pushed her tongue into his mouth eagerly accepting the escape 108

Nikki Winter he was trying to give. Julian’s hands slid from her face to her back, to her ass, gripping and squeezing as he picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist. He turned around and placed her on the counter top. Aiyanna’s hands ran through his hair then gripped his shoulders before she raked her nails down his back and the caress made his cock harder. He ground his hips into hers, kissed his way from her lips to her jaw and nipped her throat. Aiyanna moaned, her thighs clenching around his hips tighter. He pulled back and she whimpered. “Shh,” Julian soothed before beginning to undress them both. When every last stitch of clothing was gone and she lay bare before him, he knew this time was different. This wasn’t slow or sweet. The head of his cock rubbed between the wet folds of her pussy and they both hissed. Julian hooked one arm under her right leg, leaving the other to wrap around his waist again as he thrust into her. Aiyanna’s back arched and her hands gripped his face, bringing it down to kiss him again, their mouths moving against each other as frantically as their hips. The kiss ended when the need for air won out. Panting against her throat, Julian kept his hips at the same pace, listening to each one of her moans. 109

A Rancher’s Desire “Jesus...Julian...Oh God...” “Love you...so much...” He whispered against her ear. “Love…you…too…” He sucked a nipple into his mouth and she cried out louder. Letting it go, he found her lips again, trying to say with his body what he couldn’t completely get her to understand with words. Pushing her leg higher, he thrust harder, focusing on the sound of their flesh meeting. She felt so good, responded to his touch so well. Aiyanna was his everything. Waking up without her or going to sleep without her just wasn’t ingrained in him anymore. Even on the nights he wasn’t supposed to see her because of work, Julian found himself unable to stay away. He needed her. He moved against her faster, determined to wear her out, make her feel like she couldn’t move for the rest of the night. She chanted his name, threw her hips back at him, made him see stars for a moment when he went deep and she squeezed around him. “I. Love. You.” Julian panted again and on his last thrust she came, screaming, and he followed her over the edge. Pulling back, he tried to draw in a normal breath. “Aiyanna—” 110

Nikki Winter “Hush.” She placed a finger over his lips, a silly little smile in place. “Don’t ruin the afterglow.” Laughing, he picked his woman up and headed for the stairs. “I guess I should find the syrup, huh?” Aiyanna groaned. “I told you we were gonna end up with waffles.” Julian’s grin spread. “Oh, Hermosa, who said anything about waffles?” She giggled all the way up to the bedroom.

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Chapter Eleven Life was funny sometimes. Of all the places Aiyanna had expected to end up today, on her parents’ front porch wasn’t one of them. But something was wrong at home; wrong between her and Julian. He did everything he could to please her but it wasn’t because she needed it, it was because he did. The same need for validation fueled his every move until it felt like he was smothering her. Aiyanna loved him, adored him, but he was driving her bat-shit crazy. The problem was she had no idea how to tell him she needed some breathing space without him seeing it as a complete rejection. The last thing Aiyanna wanted Julian to think was that something was wrong with him. She was damned if she said something and damned if she didn’t. Aiyanna looked up when the screen door on the porch slowly opened and her mother poked her head out. “A.J.?” Evelyn frowned. “What’re you doing sitting out here?” Snorting, she retorted, “I wish I knew the answer to that.” Evelyn opened the door wider. “Come on.” A half an hour later, Aiyanna was finish spilling her guts. Evelyn didn’t speak for a long time. She 112

Nikki Winter simply blew out a breath and sat back in her chair. When she finally did talk, her voice shook. “Alyss and I sound a lot alike.” Aiyanna opened her mouth to respond but Evelyn raised a hand. “No, we do. Cold and virtually unfeeling.” “Mama—” Evelyn shook her head. “No. Right now I want you to listen okay?” She simply nodded. Her mother stared off at something only she could see. “You were right when you said I had a skewered view of the world.” She looked back at Aiyanna. “That lovely skewered view came from your Nana. She hated everything about me. My skin was too dark, my hair wasn’t straight enough, my eyes weren’t light enough and I just simply wasn’t the vision she had in her head of her daughter.” Evelyn took a deep breath but Aiyanna still caught the small shudder that racked her as she exhaled. “I…um…I spent my childhood trying so hard to be everything she ever wanted from me and I was miserable.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Do you know the first rebellious thing I did was date your Daddy?” She laughed at Aiyanna’s look of surprise. “Yeah, Hassun was a bad boy. Leather jackets and 113

A Rancher’s Desire motorcycles made up his daily wardrobe, sweetheart. Your Nana hated him. But not because of his heritage or his image, but because he saw straight through my debutante act and laid me bare. That man took one look at me and knew who I was. The final straw was our eloping.” Aiyanna shook her head. “Wait…what? Eloped? You and Daddy got married in a church. I saw the pictures.” “No, baby, what you saw was the wedding he knew I dreamed of after he got his business up and going. We eloped at nineteen and struggled on until we busted our glass ceilings.” Evelyn snorted. “Once I had you and Elan, for some reason, I thought you were my chance to redeem my sins in your grandmother’s eyes and it spiraled from there.” She held Aiyanna’s gaze. “I need you to know that there was never a damn thing wrong with you and there isn’t now. I thought there was something wrong with me because I didn’t mold like my mother wanted me to so I tried to make you a bridge to something that couldn’t be fixed.” When Evelyn reached across the table to link their fingers, Aiyanna felt a lump swell in her throat. “I brag about you, all the time. While other mothers are singing the woes of their little girls and how they’re going through a divorce or can’t stop 114

Nikki Winter depending on men or are just extremely sad. My daughter built a successful business from the ground up. My daughter has never needed anyone’s validation but her own. My daughter is one of the most amazing women I know and I am so very proud of her.” She shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Even if I was never smart enough to show it—you, Aiyanna Jordyn are perfect in every way. I was sincerely blessed with you and your brother because despite my insanity you turned out to be extraordinary.” Aiyanna swallowed, tried to find the words to respond but simply couldn’t. What was she supposed to say to that? After almost thirty-two years she was finally getting what she’d wanted so damn bad all of her life—her mother’s acceptance. And after that, there were no words. Evelyn scooted her chair back and stood. “Can you give me something please?” Looking up at her, Aiyanna asked, “What?” “The ability to hug my daughter again without her feeling like she wants to choke—” Evelyn didn’t get to finish the sentence before Aiyanna was up and in her arms. They held each other as tight as possible and damned if it didn’t feel good. “Mommy?” “Hmm?” 115

A Rancher’s Desire “What do I do about Julian?” Evelyn pulled back and brushed Aiyanna’s bangs from her eyes. “You love him.” “I already do that.” Her mother shook her head. “No, baby, I mean you love him. You were smart enough to know that you’re so much better than what I used to say but Julian is the other side of the spectrum. He loves you so much that he’s afraid he’s going to lose you so you need to show him that won’t ever happen.” “How do I do that?” Evelyn took her hand and led her from the kitchen. “We have some planning to do, baby girl.”

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Chapter Twelve Something was wrong. He could tell. And Julian had the feeling that something was him. From the night before when Aiyanna had finally gotten home, something that was still unofficially decided in terms of her moving in, she’d been quiet and pensive. Nothing else had changed, she just seemed lost in her thoughts. Kind of the way he was now as he leaned against the side of his horse stables and watched some of the hands mill about. Julian didn’t look up until he heard a truck coming up the driveway. The sight of Havan stepping out dressed in a suit gave him serious pause. What made him laugh was the black Stetson that completed his brother’s appearance. Julian would guess that the hat was the only thing tolerable about his style of dress. The scowl on Havan’s face spoke volumes. Julian didn’t get a word out before his brother was marching over to him and grabbing the front of his t-shirt. “I want you to listen very closely,” Havan said slowly. “If you weren’t my brother, I would put my size fifteen in your ass simply because it is your fault that I’m dressed this way. Your woman—” Julian’s brows winged. “My woman?” 117

A Rancher’s Desire “Your woman batted those got-damned eyes at me and I melted like chocolate on the sidewalk in the middle of summer.” He began to walk towards the house, pulling Julian along. “And now you’re going to carry your ass inside, take a shower, shave, and put on something presentable.” “Wait, wait, wait.” Julian stopped walking. “Why am I doing this?” Havan turned around. “Because jackass, if you don’t I will sit on your fucking head.” “Okay then.” Julian waved a hand. “Lead the way.” An hour later Havan was shoving Julian into the passenger side door and telling him to just, “Shut up and enjoy the ride.” Before he knew it, they were entering the higher end of Albemarle County pulling into the driveway of one of the most immaculate houses he’d ever seen. Julian’s heart thumped hard in his chest as he finally realized that he’d seen this house before. In pictures. Aiyanna’s pictures. He gripped his brother’s shoulder before he could leave the truck. “Havan—” Havan shook his head. “Just trust her okay?” Nodding, he climbed out and headed up the cobblestone walkway. Julian was just a few feet away 118

Nikki Winter from the double doors when the right one swung open, revealing a grinning Lalani. She whistled low. “Damned if you don’t clean up well, cowboy.” Havan’s shoulder slammed into Julian’s almost knocking him off the porch just so the big idiot could stand in front of her. “What about me?” Julian decided it was best not to laugh in Havan’s face when Lalani gave him a once over and then a simple shrug, stating, “You look okay.” With that, she grabbed Julian’s hand and pulled him through the door. “Lalani—” “No, I’m not telling you what she has planned.” His brother snorted behind him and Julian sighed but continued to follow. By the time they reached the patio door he was so nervous that it felt like someone kept stopping and starting his heart. Lalani stopped and looked at him. Squeezing his hand, she simply said, “Trust her, okay?” Julian frowned. “Why does everyone keep saying that?” Havan popped him in the back of the head. “Don’t question, just do it.”  119

A Rancher’s Desire “Mommy I can’t do this.” “Yes, you can.” Aiyanna shook her head, wringing her hands. “No, I can’t. I feel like I’m going to throw up.” Evelyn snorted. “You’re going to be just fine.” “What if he says no?” “Then,” John said as he and Dastan came and both wrapped an arm around her. “We’ll take him out front and beat him until he says ‘yes.’” That finally pulled a smile out of her. “I’m gonna tell you the same thing I told Daddy and Elan. No physical assaults on Julian.” John stomped his foot. “You’re ruining our lives.” “Um…I think Julian’s going to take your lives if you don’t stop touching his woman,” Evelyn whispered, gesturing over Aiyanna’s shoulder. Turning slowly as quiet fell over the backyard, she took a deep breath when her gaze finally connected with his. He was scowling but she was used to that look by now. Julian took tentative steps down the patio and toward her, his gaze bouncing between Aiyanna and their mix of family and friends. She’d spent the day setting up paper lanterns and nicely set tables along with preparing food, hoping 120

Nikki Winter that this would turn into a celebration very soon. Julian’s smile looked nervous and shaky. “Hermosa…what is all of this?” He waved a hand around as everyone stood in various spots, focusing in on them. Aiyanna exhaled and held out a hand. He took it without hesitation. “This is actions speaking louder than words.” His expression told her that he was more than a little confused but he didn’t say anything. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days.” “I could tell,” he said, softly rubbing his thumb between her eyebrows. Smiling, she took his hand and kissed the back of it. “Do you know what I realized?” Julian shook his head. “I realized that before you ever opened your mouth to say the words, I already knew you loved me.” Aiyanna caught his gaze, held it and forgot everyone else for the moment. “This whole time you’ve been showing me. Every single thing you did, you did it unselfishly and just for me.” She linked their fingers. “You hunted me down in my office just to see me face to face when anyone else would’ve simply called.” Julian grinned and Aiyanna could hear scattered 121

A Rancher’s Desire chuckles. “You wouldn’t lay a finger on me for a month just so I would know without a doubt that I was more than just another conquest to you. You do your best to make me smile when I’m snarling, make me laugh when I’m about to set something on fire, and you make me feel like I’m your whole world some days.” He cupped her cheek. “That’s because you are.” Aiyanna resisted the urge to cry. Not now, maybe later. She had something she needed to ask. “I understood your need to hear me tell you that I love you but I didn’t get it until now. The words were important because I haven’t exactly taken leaps and bounds to show you how much you mean to me.” Shaking his head again, Julian said, “You don’t have to. I know—” She placed her fingertips over his mouth. “Just let me get this out before I lose my nerve okay?” He nodded. “And I kept thinking, what could I possibly do to finally show him that he’ll never, ever have to worry about losing me?” Holding out one hand, she waited for Lalani to place a small velvet box in her palm. “And finally, I had an epiphany.” She watched him gulp as she let go of his other hand to open the small box. “The only thing that came to mind would be giving myself to you for the rest of our lives because I know 122

Nikki Winter I’ll never ever find anyone who makes me as happy as you do.” Taking the diamond encrusted platinum band out, Aiyanna asked the question that she was dying to know the answer to. “Julian Alejandro Almanza, will you marry me?” He was laughing before she even finished, his eyes twinkling as he stared at her. “This is so backwards.” “No, this is me showing you how much I love you. So what’s your answer, Cowboy? I don’t have all night and I’m sure I can find plenty of men this side of the east coast to—” Before she could get the rest of her statement out, Julian had her off her feet, his lips pressed to hers in front of God and family, once again telling her without words everything she needed to know.

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Epilogue Three years later… “Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…” Julian relished in every chant that left his wife’s mouth as he pulled his hips back and tunneled his cock deep into the awaiting warmth beneath him. His strokes were slow, measured. He was determined to draw out her pleasure as long as possible, despite the fact that he felt like his balls would explode if he didn’t come soon. “Julian…please…” Her nails raked down his back, causing him to shudder. If she did that again, he would be done. Instead of telling her that, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them over her head. Aiyanna tried getting out of his grasp but he wasn’t letting go; too focused on every expression that crossed her beautiful face. His wife. It was a chant that had reverberated through his head and heart from the moment he’d first seen her walking down the aisle towards him today. Every step she took would forever be engrained in his memory. His wife. She had chosen him. Julian had never felt more whole than the moment it was announced that she was now Mrs. Almanza. And now he would spend the rest 124

Nikki Winter of the night showing her exactly how much he needed her. “You’re…torturing…me…” Aiyanna panted beneath him. He chuckled low but didn’t pick his pace up any; deciding that this time she wouldn’t have her way. “Okay, I’ll make you a deal,” she tried to reason. Julian quirked a brow and kept up his slow, steady thrusting. Her pussy felt amazing clenching around him. “You give me what I want, now,” Leaning up, Aiyanna nipped his chin. “And all this week, you can have every one of your raunchy sex fantasies fulfilled.” Mouth twitching, he retorted, “I’ll take your request into consideration.”  That just wasn’t the answer Aiyanna wanted to hear which inevitably meant she had to take things into her own hands. Grinning wickedly, she pressed her lips to Julian’s ear and whispered exactly what she would let him do to her…in Spanish. She knew those impromptu lessons that he’d been giving her over the past few years or so would come in handy. When he paused and stared down at her for a 125

A Rancher’s Desire moment, mouth slightly agape, she knew she had him. It was confirmed when he said, “Okay, you win.” Julian gripped her hips and rolled over so that she was on top. In one swift thrust, he pushed his hips up and brought her down, bumping right against her spot while simultaneously rubbing her clit. That was enough to cause her to explode and she felt it when he emptied himself inside of her. Aiyanna dropped forward, resting on his chest, and feeling every hammering beat of his heart. It was comforting. “Do you know how much I love you?” she asked softly as she closed her eyes. He ran one large palm down her back as he kissed the top of her head. “Yes.” That one word was spoken with so much conviction that it brought tears to her eyes. “Don’t ever forget that, okay?” Arms tightening around her, Julian simply replied, “Never.” And that was the last word Aiyanna heard leave his lips before she drifted off. She didn’t need anything else to make this day perfect, having gotten everything she could ever want was more than enough. Julian was more than enough. And the fact that he knew and understood that, could finally see himself 126

Nikki Winter the same way Aiyanna saw him, made her happier than she’d ever been.

Nikki

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Nikki Winter When Nikki wrote her first story in the tenth grade, she knew without a doubt she was destined for greatness. Now if she could just convince everyone else… Buckling down, she’s taken the time to polish what she refers to as her “writing superiority.” She hopes that the tales she has created grab the readers’ attention, and make them devoted slaves to her will fans. If you want to let her know just how absolutely, positively awesome she is, you can always e-mail her at [email protected], friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/NikkiWinter/100002445230428, or follow her on Twitter as @NikkiWinter19.